The Supreme Court heard serious allegations of sexual abuse in ISKCON-run schools and questioned the lack of action by authorities. The bench directed petitioners to approach NCPCR and state child rights commissions, stressing that children’s safety must be examined by a neutral body.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) lacks authority to direct police to file an FIR, observing that “the CWC is only empowered to forward a report to the Juvenile Justice Board or police authority.”
The Supreme Court will hear a key case on August 20 to decide whether the age of consent under the POCSO Act should be lowered or if exceptions can be made for consensual teenage relationships under the current law.
Centre tells Supreme Court the age of consent must remain 18, stressing it is essential “to preserve the integrity of child protection laws and prioritize the welfare of minors.” Uniform enforcement is key, govt says.
The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to establish Child Tobacco Cessation Centres in all districts to assist students addicted to ‘Cool Lip,’ a banned tobacco product. It urged the central government to enact a formal ban, called for school inspections, and emphasized educational programs to discourage tobacco use among children.
The Madras High Court today ruled that schools cannot use Transfer Certificates to collect pending fees and should not make entries regarding fee arrears on the TC. Violation of this order will be dealt with under child protection laws. Children should not be involved in fee collection, as it causes trauma and stigma. The court also emphasized the psychological impact on children and urged schools to provide support during financial strains.
