Supreme Court: viewing child porn is a crime

Supreme Court cracks down on child pornography

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has set aside a Madras High Court order and declared that merely downloading and watching child pornography is now a punishable offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, "Watching and downloading child pornography are offences under the POCSO Act and the IT law." The court also urged Parliament to amend the POCSO Act to replace the term "child pornography" with the more accurate and comprehensive phrase "child sexually abusive and exploitative material."

This decision comes as a significant step in the fight against child sexual abuse and exploitation. By criminalizing the mere act of viewing and downloading child pornography, the Supreme Court sends a clear message that such content will not be tolerated. It also highlights the role of technology in perpetuating child abuse and the urgent need to combat it.

The case originated from a plea by two child welfare NGOs challenging a Madras High Court judgment that had quashed criminal proceedings against a man accused of downloading child pornography. The Supreme Court's ruling not only overturns that judgment but also establishes a precedent for future cases involving child pornography.

The court has also issued guidelines regarding child pornography and its legal consequences. These guidelines are expected to provide clarity and consistency in handling such cases, ensuring that those who exploit children are held accountable.

The ruling is a victory for child rights activists and organizations working to protect children from sexual abuse. It reinforces the idea that any form of child sexual exploitation, including the consumption of child pornography, is a serious crime with severe consequences.

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