Program on POCSO, POSH acts concludes in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 25: The two-day program, titled "POCSO Act and POSH Act with Special Reference to SAMVAD’s Training Manual and Combating Gender Stereotypes," today concluded at the J&K Police Auditorium in Gulshan Ground, Jammu.

The first session of the second day was conducted by U K Jalali, Sr Advocate, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Member GSICC and also former Advocate General, who discussed that relying on predetermined stereotypes in judicial decision-making contravenes the duty of judges to decide each case on its merits, independently and impartially. In particular, reliance on stereotypes about women is liable to distort the law’s application to women in many harmful ways.

The resource person explained that even when the use of stereotypes does not alter the outcome of a case, stereotypical language may reinforce ideas contrary to our constitutional ethos.

Language is critical to the life of the law. He said that the language a judge uses reflects not only their interpretation of the law, but their perception of society as well.

He said that the Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes contains a glossary of gender-unjust terms and suggests alternative words or phrases which may be used while drafting pleadings as well as orders and judgments.

However, challenging and overcoming stereotypes is essential to ensuring an equal, inclusive, and compassionate society.

He also explained the Interplay of POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The second session was conducted by Sonia Gupta, PDJ Reasi who gave a detailed overview on rehabilitation and compensation for Child Victims of Sexual Offences.