Law Ministry endorses removal of time limit to report child sexual abuse: Maneka Gandhi

Press Trust of India  |  New Delhi 

The has endorsed a proposal of the to remove the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse, said Tuesday.

had, on October 3, written to Law asking him to remove the time limit for reporting and allow people to complain even "10-15 years later".

She told reporters that the has agreed to their proposal and endorses removal of time limit for reporting such crimes.

The further course would be soon decided, a said.

Under Section 468 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), any offence, including child abuse, which can lead to a prison term of three years has to be reported within three years of the incident.

According to Section 473 of the CrPC, a court may take cognisance of an older case if it is in the "interest of justice" or if the "delay has been properly explained". However, victims of often face problems in registering an FIR once they are 18 years of age or more.

In her letter, had urged the Law that people should be allowed to lodge their complaint even "10-15 years later".

"It doesn't matter how much later. If you're going to complain, the avenue is open," she had earlier said.

"We are of the view that cases of can be reported by the victim at any time and law enforcement agencies would be required to take appropriate actions on the complaint of such victim," she said in the letter.

Many children, the minister said, are unable to report such crimes as the perpetrator in most cases is either a family member, a relative or a closely known person.

"Studies have also shown that the child continues to carry the trauma of sexual abuse till very late in life," Maneka Gandhi wrote to Prasad.

She had earlier proposed that child sexual abuse victims be allowed to register complaints until they are 30.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Tue, October 16 2018. 16:40 IST