Centre Says Fixing Age of Consent at 18 Aims to Protect Against Sexual Exploitation

The Central Government defended in the Supreme Court its decision to set the age of consent at 18 years, stating that this is a carefully thought-out, well-considered, and consistent policy decision aimed at protecting minors from sexual exploitation.

 

Government’s Stand in Court

Through Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, the Centre said in its written submission that lowering the age of consent or allowing exceptions for adolescent love would not only be legally untenable but also dangerous.

The government argued:

• Reducing the age of consent would increase the vulnerability of children to emotional coercion or exploitation.
• It would provide abusers with an excuse to justify their acts under the guise of consensual adolescent relationships.

 

Impact on Child Protection Laws

The Centre further stated that diluting the age would undermine decades of progress in child protection, particularly under the POCSO Act, 2012 and the Juvenile Justice Act. Both laws classify all sexual acts with minors as offences, regardless of consent.

The government emphasized that maintaining 18 years as the age of consent ensures strong legal safeguards against exploitation, especially when perpetrators are close family members or trusted individuals—situations where children often feel helpless to resist or report abuse.