Code: Section 20 POCSO Act
Any personnel of the media or hotel or lodge or hospital or club or studio or photographic facilities, by whatever name called, irrespective of the number of persons employed therein, shall, on coming across any material or object which is sexually exploitative of the child (including pornographic, sexually-related or making obscene representation of a child or children) through the use of any medium, shall provide such information to the Special Juvenile Police Unit, or to the local police, as the case may be.
Explanation of Section 20 POCSO
Section 20 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) imposes a clear obligation on various establishments like media agencies, hotels, lodges, hospitals, clubs, studios, and photographic facilities to report any materials or objects that are sexually exploitative of children. This includes any form of pornography, obscene representations, or any content that is sexually related or exploitative of children.
Upon encountering such materials, personnel from these institutions must promptly report the matter to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police. This provision aims to ensure that any content or material harmful to children is quickly flagged and addressed by the authorities.
Key Provisions
- Entities Covered:
- Media personnel
- Personnel in hotels, lodges, hospitals, clubs, studios, photographic facilities, etc.
- Types of Material to Report:
- Pornographic material involving children.
- Sexually exploitative material.
- Obscene or sexually related representations of children.
- Reporting Requirement:
- When such material is discovered, personnel must inform the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police.
Illustration
Example 1: Discovery of Pornographic Material
A hotel receptionist discovers an adult video that contains sexually explicit material involving a minor. Under Section 20 of the POCSO Act, the receptionist is required to report the finding to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police immediately.
Example 2: Obscene Representation in a Photographic Studio
A photographer at a studio comes across an image of a child in an inappropriate and sexually exploitative pose. The photographer is legally obligated to report this image to the local police or the Special Juvenile Police Unit for further investigation.
Common Questions & Answers
1. Which establishments are required to report under Section 20 of the POCSO Act?
Any personnel working in media, hotels, lodges, hospitals, clubs, studios, or photographic facilities are obligated to report any sexually exploitative material involving children.
2. What type of material should be reported?
Any material that is sexually exploitative or obscene involving children, including pornographic content, sexually related imagery, or representations that exploit children.
3. How should the material be reported?
The material must be reported to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police.
4. Are there any exceptions to this obligation?
No, there are no exceptions. Any personnel who encounter such material must report it, regardless of the type of establishment.
Conclusion
Section 20 of the POCSO Act emphasizes the responsibility of various establishments, including media, hospitality, and photography sectors, to promptly report any sexually exploitative content involving children. This ensures that harmful materials are swiftly addressed by the authorities, promoting the safety and protection of children.
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