Centre Opposes Lowering Age of Consent, Says It Would Undermine Child Protection Laws

The Union Government has told the Supreme Court it opposes lowering the age of consent from 18, warning it could weaken child protection laws like the POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Centre argued that the current standard must be uniformly enforced to preserve the statutory presumption of vulnerability and prevent misuse under the guise of consent. It warned that reducing the age limit could encourage trafficking and abuse, especially by trusted adults.

While acknowledging adolescent relationships, the Centre emphasized that judicial discretion should not replace legislative clarity.

The Supreme Court is currently considering the issue.