What's The Legal Age for S*xual Consent? Center Reaffirms!

With the westernisation of the modern relationship culture in India, there is a lot of debate happening about the permitted legal consent for physical intercourse. The central government has reacted on this matter now and here is what they have to say.

The Central Government of India has officially clarified that the minimum legal age for sexual consent is 18 years. This means that any s*xual activity involving a person under the age of 18 is considered illegal, even if both individuals give their consent. The statement was made in response to a question raised in the Parliament.

The government explained that under the Protection of Children from S*xual Offences (POCSO) Act, individuals below the age of 18 are treated as children. According to this law, any sexual act with a person under 18 is automatically considered statutory rape, regardless of mutual agreement or relationship status. The aim of the law is to protect minors from exploitation, abuse, and manipulation.

This clarification is important because in many cases, minors involved in relationships may claim consent. However, legally, their consent does not hold any value. The government emphasized that the law is strict in this regard and no exceptions are allowed.

Officials also urged people to be aware of the legal consequences of engaging in relationships with minors. Violations can lead to serious punishment, including jail time. The Centre stressed the importance of educating the public, especially young people, about these laws to avoid unintentional crimes.