REPORT ON PUBLIC DIALOGUE SERIES

Vidya Vikas Mandal’s G.R.Kare College of Law LEGAL AID SOCIETY in association with CHILD RIGHTS CELL organised PUBLIC DIALOGUE SERIES on the Topic : “The Impact of the POCSO Act on Sexual Autonomy: Balancing Protection and Penalization of Consensual Relations Among Minors.” on-Wednesday, 9th October 2024, 2 pm to 3 .30 pm in the Ganesh Daivjna Auditorium.

Welcome address was delivered by Officiating Principal Dr. Maria Goretti Simoes, who highlighted the relevance of this sensitive yet very relevant issue. The session was moderated by Hon’ble Judge Sayonara Telles Laad; District and Sessions Judge & Additional Sessions Judge. There were some prominent resource persons who are experts on the subject matter.

The panellists included:

1.  Mr Peter Borges

2. Ms Auda Viegas

3. Ms Juliana Lohar

4. Adv Kautuk Raikar

The session was conducted for the students and staff of RMS Higher Secondary, Damodar College staff, students of the subject Child Law from GRKCL and members from the general public. Each of the panelist gave the audience insights of the POCSO Act, they dealt with the important provisions of the Act. Mention was made how sometimes the provisions are misused and misinterpreted and the reforms required to make this Act protection oriented rather then punishment oriented.

Viewpoints from perspectives of an Subject Expert, NGO, Adovcate and Judge were expressed. Student who had researched on the loopholes of the POCSO Act also presented their viewpoints. The same was clarified by the panelists. Audience were greatly benefited by the informative session. At the end moderator compiled up the submissions by all the panelists and gave her views and take away from the session. Vote of thanks was delivered by Assistant Professor Sonali Naik. Followed by a group photograph of all the participants.

Overall the session marked the beginning of a new series of public discussion series on relevant socio legal issues.