Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
Chapter V: Procedure
for Reporting of Casts
19. Reporting of
offences.-
1.
"Notwithstanding
anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, any person
(including the child), who has apprehension that an offence under this Act is
likely to be committed or has knowledge that such an offence has been
committed, he shall provide such information to,-
a. the Special Juvenile
Police Unit, or
b. the local police.
2.
Every
report given under sub-section (1) shall be-
a. ascribed an entry
number and recorded in writing;
b. be read over to the
informant;
c. shall be entered in a
book to be kept by the Police Unit.
1.
2.
3.
Where
the report under sub-section (1) is given by a child, the same shall be
recorded under sub-section (2) in a simple language so that the child
understands contents being recorded.
4.
In
case contents are being recorded in the language not understood by the child or
wherever it is deemed necessary, a translator or an interpreter, having such
qualifications, experience and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed,
shall be provided to the child if he fails to understand the same.
5.
Where
the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police is satisfied that the child
against whom an offence has been committed is in need of care and protection,
then, it shall, after recording the reasons in writing, make immediate
arrangement to give him such care and protection (including admitting the child
into shelter home or to the nearest hospital) within twenty-four hours of the
report, as may be prescribed.
6.
The
Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police shall, without unnecessary delay
but within a period of twenty-four hours, report the matter to the Child
Welfare Committee and the Special Court or where no Special Court has been
designated, to the Court of Session, including need of the child for care and
protection and steps taken in this regard.
7.
No
person shall incur any liability, whether civil or criminal, for giving the
information in pond faith for the purpose of sub-section (1),