The POCSO Act applies across India. It safeguards children from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. It also ensures fast investigation and special courts.

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• Enacted in 2012 under Women and Child Development Ministry
•  Protects all children below 18 years
•  Covers sexual assault, harassment, and child pornography
• Gender-neutral law for victims and accused
•  Consent of a minor legally irrelevant
•  Mandatory reporting of abuse; non-reporting punishable
•  Special courts for speedy child-friendly trials
•  Investigation within two months; trial within six months
•  Harsher punishments added in 2019 amendment
•  Strict confidentiality of child’s identity guaranteed