Shillong, Oct 15: Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court and Patron-in-Chief of MSLSA, Justice Revati Mohite Dere, on Wednesday said young people remain unaware of legal consequences of sexual activity with persons below 18 years, adding that a minor’s consent under the POCSO Act is not a valid legal defence and offences attract stringent punishment.
During the launch of Project ‘Ka Jingkyrmen (Hope)’ , Justice Dera said, “Many young people remain unaware of the legal consequences of engaging in sexual activity with persons below 18 years of age.”
The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, launched the initiative to prevent offences against children, promote legal awareness and strengthen protection mechanisms under POCSO Act, 2012.
Justice Dere said the project was conceived in response to cases encountered during judicial proceedings, particularly those involving adolescents in romantic relationships.
“Such situations can have serious consequences, including school dropouts, pregnancy, arrest and prosecution, potentially affecting the future prospects of both boys and girls,” she observed.
Emphasising education as empowerment, she encouraged children to stay focused, complete studies and pursue aspirations.
Justice H S Thangkhiew, Judge of High Court and Executive Chairman of MSLSA, said the project was formulated under directions of the Chief Justice to strengthen awareness among vulnerable children.
He stressed the need to communicate legal information in languages children and local communities understand to make initiatives accessible and effective.
Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare, Pravin Bakshi, welcomed the initiative and said it is an important step towards strengthening child protection. He cited the prevalence of POCSO cases — 29 in Mawlai Block and 26 in Mawryngkneng Block — to underscore the need for sustained awareness.
Bakshi highlighted child protection initiatives under Mission Vatsalya providing care and support to children in difficult circumstances including abused, abandoned, orphaned, missing or trafficked children, and role of Child Care Institutions like children’s homes, observation homes and open shelters.
He also informed about integration of Child Helpline with Emergency Response Support System 112 and Women Helpline 181.
Project Ka Jingkyrmen seeks to sensitise children, parents, educators and local communities on child safety, legal rights, good touch and bad touch, consent, and digital safety against online risks.
It will disseminate helpline numbers — Legal Services Helpline 15100, Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and Police Emergency Helpline 112 — and involve coordinated efforts of Social Welfare, Health, Education Departments, Police, district administration, teachers, students, Anganwadi workers, Para-Legal Volunteers and traditional village institutions.
The initiative also aims to prevent school dropouts by promoting guidance and access to support services.
