In a stark warning that highlights the dark side of technological advancement, Justice KS Hemalekha of the Karnataka High Court has expressed serious concern about the alarming increase in cases of sexual abuse against children, attributing this trend directly to the growing influence of digital technology. The judge's remarks came during a thought-provoking lecture that underscored the urgent need for enhanced safeguards in our increasingly connected world.
Digital Dependence and Heightened Risks
Justice Hemalekha delivered her lecture titled 'Pocso and Article 21: Child rights in the digital age' at the 19th special memorial lecture organized by the department of postgraduate studies in law at Karnatak University in Dharwad. The event was held in memory of the late Professor VR Bhat on Tuesday, bringing together legal minds to discuss pressing contemporary issues.
The judge noted that in present times, children have become increasingly dependent on online platforms for multiple aspects of their lives - from education and entertainment to social interaction and personal development. While acknowledging that these digital platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for learning and connection, she emphasized that they simultaneously expose children to heightened risks of sexual exploitation and abuse.
The Constitutional Dimension of Child Protection
Justice Hemalekha elaborated on how such violations represent a fundamental threat to children's safety while also infringing upon their personal liberty and undermining human dignity. She specifically referenced the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act of 2012, which was enacted to address precisely these types of crimes against minors.
The judge highlighted the crucial role played by the Supreme Court of India in consistently safeguarding child rights within the digital era, particularly under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This constitutional provision guarantees the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, creating a legal framework through which courts can intervene to protect vulnerable populations.
Call for Stronger Legal Framework and Awareness
In her comprehensive address, Justice Hemalekha emphasized the pressing need for several key measures to address this growing crisis:
- Enhanced legal awareness among parents, educators, and children themselves about digital risks and protective measures
- Strengthened protective mechanisms within digital platforms to prevent exploitation
- More robust implementation of existing laws like the Pocso Act
- Collaborative efforts between legal authorities, technology companies, and educational institutions
The judge's remarks come at a critical juncture when India is witnessing rapid digital penetration across all age groups, including children. Her warning serves as a timely reminder that technological progress must be accompanied by equally advanced protective measures to ensure that children's rights and safety are not compromised in the digital landscape.
