Set 4 for CLAT 2022: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 unintentionally brings about an unfair consequence by persecuting teenage lovers. This law raised the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, categorizing individuals below 18 as children. This means that if two 16-year-olds are romantically involved and the girl’s family disapproves, filing a police complaint renders her consent legally invalid, turning a consensual relationship into a case of statutory rape. The Allahabad High Court, along with other High Courts like Delhi and Madras, has expressed concern about the severity of POCSO provisions in cases where teenage lovers face legal consequences due to family disapproval.
Suggestions for amendments, such as pushing the cut-off for childhood and the age of consent back to 16 years, have gained support. With around half of POCSO cases involving individuals aged 16-18, this overdue amendment could reduce the prosecution of consensual romances, allowing the legal system to focus on actual sexual assault cases. The overarching aim is to respect the rights of adolescents and young adults, acknowledging their need for increased recognition of romantic and sexual autonomy in India.
Questions for CLAT Logical Reasoning
“Minimising the prosecution of consensual romances would also leave a logjammed system with more space to pursue actual sexual assault cases.”
In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author’s opinion
(A) There are many unreported sexual assault cases.
(B) Speedy prosecution of sexual assault cases is desirable.
(C) Consensual romance, in some cases, can amount to sexual assault.
(D) Sexual assault and rape are different.
What does the author share about how statutory rape cases are handled in India?
(A) Statutory rape does not violate the romantic and sexual autonomy of young adults.
(B) Statutory rape must be met with stricter punishment.
(C) Statutory rape must be abolished.
(D) Statutory rape is a relic of Victorian morality.
What is the author’s perspective on the widespread persecution of teenage lovers under the POCSO Act, as mentioned in the passage?
(A) Teenagers, just like adults, have the right to experience and express love.
(B) Reporting teenage relationships to the police might result in unnecessary harassment for the young couples.
(C) The legal system does not recognize the consent of minor girls as valid.
(D) It is legally acknowledged that minor girls can give valid consent.
Which aspect has tugged at the moral compass of the Allahabad High Court in the passage above?
(A) Navigating the Rollercoaster of Teenage Love
(B) Safeguarding the Tender Bonds of Teenage Love
(C) Nurturing Teenage Minds in the Landscape of Love
(D) Bridging Generational Gaps in Understanding Teenage Love
As per the above passage, which of the following is a major challenge in implementation of the POCSO Act?
(A) Speedy prosecution of cases.
(B) Respecting the rights of adolescents and young adults.
(C) Counselling of adolescents and young adults.
(D) Imposition of stringent punishment.
Answers:
1. B
2. A
3. D
4. D
5. C
Read Also: Logical Reasoning Set 1: Previous Year Question 2021
