The Odisha government has lauded the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on child pornography and announced the formation of a dedicated task force to investigate and prosecute related cases. This specialised unit will focus on tackling child pornography, ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
The Women & Child Development (W&CD) Department, in an official statement, said, “The State will implement the Supreme Court ruling, which unequivocally states that watching and downloading child pornography constitutes a criminal offence.
This landmark decision sends a powerful message that the State will not tolerate any form of child sexual exploitation. It reinforces the responsibility of each citizen to protect our children, ensuring their safety and well-being. The State firmly asserts that ignorance of the law will no longer serve as a defence for those who exploit or endanger minors. ”
Under the law, engaging with child pornography—whether through viewing or downloading—is a serious crime that must be fully prosecuted. The State reaffirms its commitment to upholding stringent legal frameworks aimed at eliminating child sexual exploitation in all forms, it said.
“The State will enhance coordination with law enforcement agencies to effectively combat the dissemination and consumption of child pornography. This includes establishing dedicated task forces to investigate and prosecute such crimes,” it said.
In line with the Supreme recommendations, the State will invest in comprehensive support services for victims of child abuse, providing them with the care and resources they need for recovery, the statement said.
The Government appealed to the people to report suspicious activity to protect vulnerable children.
The State expresses gratitude to the Supreme Court for its decisive action and leadership in safeguarding the rights and dignity of our children. Together, we must collectively work towards creating a safer environment for every child in Odisha, the statement further said.
It may be noted that The Supreme Court of India has ruled that downloading, watching, and storing child pornography is a punishable offence under the POCSO Act, overturning a controversial Madras High Court decision This landmark judgment reinforces the legal system’s commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation.
On September 23, 2024, a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala condemned the High earlier judgment as “atrocious,” “emphasising the urgent need to protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation.
