By Sanjeev Kumar Patro
Bhubaneswar: While pronouncing today’s order on section 15 (1) of POCSO Act , the learned bench had made some meaningful suggestions to the government and society at large, so as to respond in a more robust way to the growing menace of sexual abuse of children, and sexual crimes against women as a whole.
In its order, the bench observed that imparting sex education in India can frustrate the psyche of the abusers in perpetrating such heinous crimes.
Here are the following observations of the 2-judge bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and justice JB Pardiwala .
- The order made it a point that teenagers and younger adult turns to internet for sexual content owing to lack of accurate information on sexual health.
- The court has been of the view that sex education does not only cover biological aspects of reproduction.
- The court say to consider so is only a misconception.
- The court explained that effective sex education encompasses a wide range of topics, including consent, healthy relationships, gender equality, and respect for diversity. It further opined that addressing these topics is crucial for reducing sexual violence and promoting gender equity.
- The court observed that positive age-appropriate sex education plays a critical role in preventing youth from engaging in harmful sexual behaviours, including the distribution, and viewing of CSEAM.
- Comprehensive sex education programs also teach youth about the importance of consent and the legal implications of sexual activities, helping them understand the severe consequences of viewing and distributing child pornography, the court observed.
- The Court is of the view that positive sex education promotes healthy attitudes towards sexuality and relationships, which can counteract the distorted perceptions often associated with the consumption of child pornography.
- Supreme Court order concluded that it is of paramount importance that we begin to address misconceptions around sexual health, and promote a comprehensive understanding of sex education's benefits, which is essential for improving sexual health outcomes and reducing the incidence of sexual crimes in India. This is especially crucial given India's growing population, the court opined.
WHY SEX EDUCATION OPPOSED BY STATES IN INDIA?
- Many people, including parents and educators, are of the views that discussing sex is inappropriate, immoral, or embarrassing. They consider it a taboo.
- The other argument also is that sex education encourages promiscuity and irresponsible behaviour among youth.
- Critics often argue that providing information about sexual health and contraception will lead to increased sexual activity among teenagers.
- Another common belief is that sex education is a Western concept that does not align with traditional Indian values. This view has led to resistance from various state governments, resulting in bans on sex education in schools in some states.
- In Jharkhand, a successful sex education programs named Udaan is being implemented. This program has been a success for community involvement, transparency, and government support in overcoming resistance and creating a supportive environment for sex education.
