NHRC member Kanoongo flags concern over debate on age of consent
New Delhi, Aug 11
National Human Rights Commission member, Priyank Kanoongo, on Tuesday flagged concerns over a debate in the Supreme Court that urges lowering of the statutory age of consent for adolescents, saying that it would prove to be an advantage for child traffickers, abusers and that the age reduction for sexual consent would increase abortion rates among teenagers.
Speaking to IANS, Kanoongo emphasised that in India people below 18 years of age are considered minors, while adding: "Despite this, some people, during a hearing in the Supreme Court, have expressed their opinion to lower the age of consent for sexual relations to 15-16 years of age. Child traffickers and those who want to sexually exploit children, are actively engaged in the garb of this."
He mentioned that 17 different organisations and individuals have told the apex court that if the age of consent is lowered then "instead of books we have to provide condoms in schools."
"These people have also told the court that teenagers will be seen near abortion clinics at an age where they are meant to prepare for Board exams (if the age reduction is allowed)," he said.
Showing a report titled 'Beyond the Debate: Age of Consent in India - The Road Ahead', the NHRC member said: "These individuals and organisations have published this report which talks about more than 20 countries who have abolished a medieval time law named 'Marry Your Rapist', which is now being quietly attempted to be implemented in India."
"Several such cases have been cited in various High Courts across the country where it is being appealed to dismiss (rape) cases as a 15-year-old girl is now 'happily married' to a 25-year-old man. This is injustice. What opinion would such minor girls have? Forcing them to get married to their rapists is unfair," he noted.
However, he asserted: "I am hopeful that the Supreme Court would take into consideration all these angles while hearing the case and pronounce verdict in favour of the children."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I understand the concerns about trafficking and exploitation, but the conversation around adolescent sexuality is nuanced. Many teens are physically mature but emotionally unprepared. Shouldn't we focus on comprehensive sex education rather than just saying no? Just a thought from a different perspective.
"Marry your rapist" is such a horrific concept! 😡 How can any court even entertain this idea? A 15-year-old is a child, not an adult with full agency. This would set Indian society back decades. Kudos to Kanoongo for calling this out so clearly.
This is a complex legal issue. The peak age of consent in many Western countries is 16, but India has different cultural and social realities. The concern about abortion rates among teens is valid, and the trafficking angle makes this very risky. The SC should tread carefully.
The point about condoms in schools and teenagers near abortion clinics instead of preparing for Board exams is spot on! Our education system isn't ready for this. We need to protect our children, not expose them to more risks. Stay strong, NHRC! 💪
There's a fine line between protecting minors and recognizing adolescent autonomy. But Kanoongo's concerns are very legitimate - especially the trafficking angle. We shouldn't risk our children's safety just to align with international standards. India must decide what's best for India.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.