SC Overturns Madras High Court Decision On Child Pornography, Advocates For Children's Rights | OI Exclusive

The Supreme Court has reversed a decision by Madras High Court judge Anand Venkatesh, which stated that downloading and viewing child pornography is not a crime.

This significant ruling has been praised by Ruben Paul, director of the Peace Foundation and Tamil Nadu member of the Justice Rights for Children Alliance (JRFCA), the organisation that filed the case.

In January, Judge Anand Venkatesh's ruling that viewing child pornography was not illegal caused widespread concern among child rights advocates in India. The JRFCA, comprising 120 social activists, challenged this verdict in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's decision not only overturns the High Court's ruling but also includes several recommendations for the central government. This judgment is seen as a crucial step forward in addressing child pornography issues.

Ruben Paul Basker, director of the Peace Foundation and a member of JRCA, has been advocating for children's rights for 40 years. He told One India Tamil that this decision marks a significant milestone in POSCO cases. "Viewing child pornography creates demand for it and encourages child exploitation, trafficking and violence," he stated. He emphasised that individuals cannot avoid punishment even if they are at home. Basker expressed pride in achieving this legal victory.

Buvan Ribhu, chairman of the JRFCA and petitioner in this case, highlighted that child pornography is a global concern. He noted that India's stance serves as an example for other countries to follow.

This judgment underscores the importance of addressing child exploitation and reinforces the legal framework to combat such crimes effectively. The recommendations made by the Supreme Court aim to strengthen measures against child pornography and ensure justice for victims.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications, setting a precedent for future cases related to child pornography in India. It reflects a commitment to safeguarding children's rights and ensuring their protection from exploitation.