MISUSE OF CHILD PROTECTION LEGISLATION: A LEGAL STUDY OF FALSE COMPLAINTS UNDER THE POCSO FRAMEWORK

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 represents a landmark
legislative effort in India to safeguard children from sexual abuse through stringent provisions
and child-friendly procedures. However, alongside its progressive framework, concerns have
emerged regarding its misuse through false or exaggerated complaints. This article critically
examines the phenomenon of false allegations under the POCSO regime and evaluates its
implications on the criminal justice system, the rights of the accused, and the credibility of
child protection laws. It analyses statutory provisions, judicial interpretations, and
constitutional safeguards to assess whether existing mechanisms adequately address misuse.
The study argues for a balanced legal framework that preserves victim protection while
preventing wrongful prosecution through improved safeguards, evidentiary scrutiny, and
accountability measures.