India has seen a 94% rise in reported sexual offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012—from 33,210 cases in 2017 to 64,469 in 2022. The Into the Light Index 2025 notes that prosecution rates (police filing charge-sheets) stay above 90%, indicating that complaints are entering the system. This is progress—but it is not the full story.

Why Reports Are Rising

• Wider awareness after Criminal Law Amendments (2013, 2018) and school outreach programmes.
• Easier reporting via CHILDLINE 1098, police e-FIR/e-Courts, and TrackChild portal.
• Dedicated Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for rape/POCSO in many districts.
• More cyber-crime reporting due to online grooming and image-based abuse.

Mind the Gaps

• Conviction rates remain far lower than prosecution rates; trials are slow and witness support uneven.
• Under-reporting persists within families/institutions; stigma and cross-examination trauma deter complaints.
• Digital offences (live-streaming, deepfakes) outpace local capacity in forensics and platform cooperation.

What Stronger Enforcement Must Include

• Child-Friendly Systems: Separate waiting areas, video-conferencing testimony, screens, and support persons under POCSO Rules, 2020.
• Time-Bound Trials: Fill vacancies in FTSCs; use special public prosecutors and standard witness calendars.
• End-to-End Care: Use Mission Vatsalya funds for shelters, counselling, and compensation under the Nirbhaya Fund.
• Digital Safety Net: Units trained in cyber-forensics, rapid hash-matching takedowns with platforms, and school curricula on online safety.
• Prevention at Source: Background checks in schools/hostels, mandatory child-safeguarding policies, and community vigilance through Village Child Protection Committees.

Key Terms (Plain)

• POCSO Act: Special law to prevent and punish sexual offences against children.
• Prosecution Rate: Share of FIRs that reach charge-sheet stage (not convictions).
• FTSCs: Fast-Track Special Courts for quicker trials.
• Mission Vatsalya: Child-protection scheme funding care and rehabilitation.
• Childline 1098: 24×7 emergency helpline for children.

Exam Hook – Takeaways

Rising POCSO numbers reflect higher reporting, not necessarily more crime. Pair 90%+ prosecution with faster, trauma-informed trials, digital forensics, and rehabilitation.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Under the POCSO Act, 2012, which is correct?

1. (a) It mandates child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial.
2. (b) It applies only to offences reported by parents.
3. (c) It excludes online sexual abuse.
4. (d) It bars use of video testimony.

Answer: (a)

One-Line Wrap

More children are speaking up; India must match this courage with swift, child-friendly justice and strong digital safeguards.