A state-level awareness campaign was launched by the Uttar Pradesh Legal Services Authority to educate students about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (Pocso Act). The initiative aims to make students aware of the legal provisions, rights, duties, and legal consequences of violations under the Pocso Act.

This campaign is being conducted under the guidance of Justice Sri Vikram Nath, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Acting Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, and Justice Sri Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and Chief Guardian of the Uttar Pradesh Legal Services Authority, along with Justice Sri Arindam Sinha, Senior Justice of the Allahabad High Court and Acting Chairman of the Authority.

Through this campaign, emphasis is being placed on informing students, especially young boys and men, that every person under the age of 18 is considered a child under the law, and that the consent of such children is not legally valid in such cases. The campaign aims to dispel misconceptions related to consent, affection, friendship, or desire for marriage, and to make youth sensitive to the legal consequences of sexual relationships with children under 18.

Justice Sri Arun Bhansali, the Chief Justice, said in his message that many youths are unaware that the law provides special protection to every person under the age of 18. Acts involving children, even if done with the child's apparent consent or with minor understanding, can lead to serious legal consequences. It is essential to inform youth about Pocso provisions to protect children from sexual exploitation and prevent them from getting entangled in criminal proceedings due to legal ignorance.

Justice Sri Arindam Sinha said that awareness is the effective medium to prevent exploitation and legal violations. He urged students to understand their rights and duties, respect personal boundaries, and seek legal aid from the legal aid system and child protection mechanisms when necessary.

In the first phase of the campaign, judicial officers from all districts of the state visited schools and delivered information on the provisions of the Pocso Act and its legal consequences during morning prayers, answering students' questions. Emphasis was also placed on promoting awareness and responsible behavior among youth.

The campaign is being conducted through the coordination of district legal services authorities with educational institutions, district administrations, police officers, child protection agencies, and other stakeholders. District-level monitoring committees have been formed to ensure effective implementation and coordination, comprising the district judge/authority of the district legal services authority, district magistrate, and police superintendent.