Section 1 POCSO: Short title, extent and commencement

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

Section 1 POCSO at a Glance

Section 1 POCSO gives the full name of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, states that the Act applies across the whole of India, and provides for its commencement date by Central Government notification in the Official Gazette.

Section 1 POCSO Bare Act Text

1. Short title, extent and commencement.

(1) This Act may be called the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

(2) It extends to the whole of India, ***.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

Amendments to this section
  • The words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and the Fifth Schedule (w.e.f. 31-10-2019).
  • 14th November, 2012, vide Notifn. No. S.O. 2705 (E), dated 9th November, 2012, see Gazette of India Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).

Section 1 POCSO in Simple Words

Section 1 POCSO sets out the short title, geographical extent, and commencement rule for the Act. Under Section 1(1) POCSO, the Act may be called the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

Under Section 1(2) POCSO, the Act extends to the whole of India. Act 34 of 2019 omitted the words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" from 31 October 2019.

Under Section 1(3) POCSO, the Act comes into force on the date that the Central Government appoints by notification in the Official Gazette. The Act came into force on 14 November 2012, by a notification dated 9 November 2012.

FAQs on Section 1 POCSO

What is Section 1 POCSO?▼

Section 1 POCSO is the opening provision that gives the short title, territorial extent, and commencement rule of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Section 1 POCSO states that the Act extends to the whole of India and comes into force on the date appointed by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.

Does POCSO apply across the whole of India under Section 1(2) POCSO?▼

Yes. Under Section 1(2) POCSO, the Act extends to the whole of India. Act 34 of 2019 omitted the earlier words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" from 31 October 2019.

When did the POCSO Act come into force under Section 1(3) POCSO?▼

14 November 2012. Under Section 1(3) POCSO, the Central Government appoints the commencement date by notification in the Official Gazette, and it appointed 14 November 2012.

Who has the power to notify the commencement date under Section 1(3) POCSO?▼

The Central Government. Section 1(3) POCSO states that the Act comes into force on such date as the Central Government may appoint by notification in the Official Gazette.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (India Code) ·