Supreme Court Urges Action on Rape Awareness to Protect Women and Children

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre on a PIL by lawyer Aabad Harshad Ponda, aiming to educate the public about the penal provisions for rape and the POCSO Act. The plea calls for collaboration among various government bodies to disseminate information and change societal attitudes towards sexual crimes.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre and several Union ministries in response to a PIL aimed at educating the public on the penal provisions for rape and the POCSO Act. The move seeks to enhance the safety of women and children across the country.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra requested responses from the education and information ministries, as well as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), underscoring the need for increased public awareness on this critical issue.

Senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda, who filed the PIL in his personal capacity, emphasized the importance of informing citizens about changes in rape laws post-Nirbhaya case. He called for a concerted effort involving various government agencies to disseminate information and change societal attitudes towards women and children. The plea also seeks educational reforms to include moral training and awareness about sexual equality.

(With inputs from agencies.)