New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind today said that anyone convicted under the POCSO Act should not be given permission to file mercy plea if they are meant to face execution. POCSO Act seeks to protect minors from sexual abuse.
“Women safety is a serious issue. Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not have right to file mercy petition. Parliament should review mercy petitions,” President Kovind said at an event in Rajasthan’s Sirohi.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) aims to give protection to minors from sexual abuse and exploitation through rigorous legal provisions.
At the same time the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday has recommended President to reject the mercy plea of 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape convict.