The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has requested a response from the Jammu and Kashmir government regarding a set of suggestions to combat child sexual abuse and harassment, which includes the introduction of sex education in the school curriculum (Case: Court on its own motion v. State of J&K and others).
On October 5, a bench comprising Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Rajesh Sekhri instructed government authorities to provide their feedback on the recommendations put forth by child rights activist and lawyer Meenu Padha.
These recommendations were presented as part of an ongoing suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by the Court to assess measures aimed at safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
In addition to revising the curriculum in both government and private schools, the suggestions also emphasize the need to sensitize and train teachers in identifying potential victims or signs of child abuse.
Meenu Padha has proposed the establishment of one-stop centers to receive child abuse complaints and provide immediate redressal for victims and their families.
Furthermore, she has recommended the use of street plays to raise public awareness and convey preventative measures in a straightforward manner.
Padha explained, “Anganwadis and Nukad Natak (street plays) play a prominent role in spreading awareness regarding child abuse and exploitation. These organizations can conduct social experiments and spread awareness among people. They can also narrate preventive measures to the public in the simplest and easiest form.”
Highlighting poverty as a significant factor contributing to child abuse, she urged the government to take steps to improve the economic conditions of families in the region.
The case is scheduled for the next hearing on November 15. Meenu Padha submitted the recommendations to the Court through her counsel, advocate Nikhil Padha, while Senior Additional Advocate General (AAG) SS Nanda represented the government and received the notice.
