DEBATE ON AGE OF CONSENT: RISING IT TO 16 YEARS WILL PUT CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AT RISK: PRIYANKA KANUNGO

DEBATE ON AGE OF CONSENT: RISING IT TO 16 YEARS WILL PUT CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AT RISK: PRIYANKA KANUNGO

12-AUG-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI--------------------------The ongoing debate in the country over the age of consent is once again in the headlines, especially in terms of children's rights and their safety. On this sensitive issue, former chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and currently a member of the National Human Rights Commission, Priyank Kanungo has issued a serious warning. She said at a program that lowering the age of consent can lead to serious consequences in society and it may be even more difficult to prevent some crimes against children. Programs and key statements Speaking at an event titled "Instruction on Civilization: Lowering the Age of Consent- Analysing Its Impact" held in Delhi, Priyank Kanungo expressed his opinion on this sensitive issue. He said that the findings of a report released on this subject show that the idea of lowering the age of consent to 16 years can prove to be harmful to the safety of children. Serious consequences at the age of 16

Kanungo stressed that if children are allowed to consent to sex at the age of 16, it will have a direct impact on their safety and future.

She said that doing so will make it almost impossible to prevent many crimes and criminals may get a chance to take advantage of this. He also pointed out that the issue has been debated before, but it is necessary to keep the safety of children paramount.

The issue has been debated first, but the safety of the child is also important.

To strengthen his argument, Kanungo cited the Indian Constitution. He said that the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar guarantees the rights of children and legally sets the age of a child at 18 years. This shows that Kanungo's argument is not only based on social concerns but is also linked to constitutional principles. Importance of POCSO Act

When discussing this issue, it is necessary to mention the POCSO Act. This law was made to protect children from sexual abuse, the cornerstone of which is the age of consent of 18 years. Kanungo said that reducing this age can weaken the purpose of a strict law like POCSO and children, who are still not fully mature physically and mentally, can become easy victims of exploitation.

Kanungo's statement is part of a wider debate to decide whether a change in the law can protect young lovers from unfair punishment or it can create a dangerous environment for children. This debate is not only a legal challenge but also a moral and social challenge, in which it is most important to give priority to the safety of the most vulnerable section i.e. children.