The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 was implemented in order to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. It is the legal responsibility upon a person, who has knowledge that a child has been sexually abused, to report the offence. If he fails to do so, he may be punished with six months’ imprisonment and / or a fine.

Under the POCSO Act, spouse of a person below the age of 18 years can be prosecuted even if customary marriage between them was solemnised as the sexual contact with a person lesser than 18 years is punishable.

The legal Aid Clinic of Bhavan’s PALSAR jointly with the Wayanad District Legal Services Authority (KELSA) organises a legal awareness campaign for Tribes for about a week commencing from 25th to 30th April 2017. The team will conduct a camp at the Panavalli Govt. L.P. School during the days and conduct visit to the colonies to interact with the Adivasies and create awareness them about the importance of stopping child marriages. They will be made aware of some other legal matters including Banking, Contract, Wildlife Protection Act, SC & ST Prevention of Atrocities Act etc. Students and faculty of PALSAR will visit the Tribal houses together with the local officials and volunteers. The camp will be inaugurated by Dr. P. Vijaykumar [District & Sessions Judge] on 25th April 2017. The primary objective of this camp is to make the members of the ‘adivasi’ community conscious regarding the POCSO Act and refrain from conducting child marriages.

This programme will be much helpful for the participating students also as they will be having valuable experiences of interaction with the marginalised community and studying their socio-legal problems. Apart from the lawyers and office bearers of the Legal Services Authority, the District Collector, Police officers and other govt. officials of the Wayanad District will be having interactive sessions with the PALSAR students.

The programme will end on 29th evening and the team will have a tour programme on 30th before returning to the College at Ramanattukara.