Is it legal to reduce the age of consent from 18 to 16?

Lowering the age of consent under India’s child protection laws is currently not permitted as of 2025. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 sets the age of consent at 18, safeguarding minors from sexual exploitation.

The Union Government opposes lowering it, citing risks of increased trafficking and abuse. The law presumes that children under 18 cannot give valid consent, making sexual activity with minors a criminal offense.

Though proposals exist to reduce it to 16 to recognize adolescent autonomy, the Supreme Court has not yet ruled, with hearings scheduled for late 2025.