Maneka asks Law Ministry to not keep any age limit to report child sexual abuse
October 08, 2018  13:57
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Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi Monday said she has asked the Law Ministry to not keep any age limit to report child sexual abuse, allowing people to complain about what has happened to them even "10-15 years later".


Noting that anger at molestation and sexual abuse never goes away, Gandhi also said she is "very happy" that the #MeToo campaign has started in India and encouraged women to come forward to complain against sexual harassment.


"One always remembers the person who molested you and we have written to the Law Ministry that one should be allowed to complain without any time limit," Gandhi told reporters.


Under Section 468 of the CrPC, any offence, including child abuse, which can lead to a prison term of three years has to be reported within three years of the incident. According to Section 473 of the CrPC, a court may take cognisance of an older case if it is in the "interest of justice" or if the "delay has been properly explained".


However, victims of child sexual abuse often face problems in registering an FIR once they are 18 or more. Gandhi said she has proposed that people can complain even "10-15 years later". "It doesn't matter how much later. If you're going to complain the avenue is open," she added. -- PTI
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