Supreme Court Renders Landmark Verdict on Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEAM)

The Supreme Court has declared that child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) severely violates children's fundamental rights. It emphasizes the necessity for vigorous legal action and preventive measures to combat this issue. The apex court's judgment deems the mere viewing and downloading of such content as criminal, overturning a previous Madras High Court ruling.

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) violates children's fundamental rights by reducing them to objects of sexual gratification and stripping them of their humanity. The judgment highlighted the severe mental, emotional, and social repercussions on victims.

The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala, emphasized the necessity of robust legal and moral measures to tackle CSEAM. These measures include not only criminal penalties for those involved but also education and awareness campaigns to prevent the circulation of such material.

The court's ruling overturns a Madras High Court judgment, affirming that merely watching or downloading CSEAM is an offense under the POCSO Act, 2012. The bench also stressed the importance of compassionate support for victims to help them heal and reclaim their lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)