Indira Jaising Seeks Lowering Sexual Consent Age from 18 to 16 Under POCSO, Government Opposes

Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, acting as amicus curiae, has urged the Supreme Court to reduce the age of sexual consent under the POCSO Act from 18 to 16.

She argued that the current law unfairly criminalises consensual relationships between teenagers and ignores adolescent autonomy.

Jaising said the shift to 18 lacked a scientific basis and recommended a rebuttable presumption of consent for 16–18-year-olds.

The Centre, however, opposed the idea, warning it could weaken child protection and increase the risk of exploitation. The case will be heard next on August 20, with both sides filing detailed written submissions.