New Delhi, Aug 11: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Tuesday raised concerns over the ongoing debate in the Supreme Court on lowering the statutory age of consent for adolescents.

Kanoongo warned that reducing the age of consent could benefit child traffickers and sexual abusers and may also lead to a rise in teenage abortions.

Kanoongo stressed that under Indian law, individuals below 18 years of age are considered minors. He said some individuals had expressed views during a Supreme Court hearing in favour of lowering the age of consent for sexual relations to 15 or 16 years.

He cautioned that such a move could be misused by those involved in child trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Kanoongo said 17 organisations and individuals had informed the Supreme Court that lowering the age of consent could create serious social consequences. Referring to their submissions, he said the change could result in schools having to address issues such as contraception among adolescents.

He further claimed that a reduction in the age of consent could lead to more teenagers visiting abortion clinics at a stage when they should be preparing for their board examinations.

Displaying a report titled'Beyond the Debate: Age of Consent in India – The Road Ahead', Kanoongo also referred to laws in more than 20 countries concerning sexual offences and marriage.

He alleged that some provisions abolished in other countries, including laws commonly referred to as “Marry Your Rapist” laws, were now being sought in India in a different form.

Kanoongo maintained that any discussion on changing the statutory age of consent must prioritise the protection, safety and rights of children.