Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority launches a child safety initiative, with the Chief Justice stressing that a minor's consent is no defence

State Focus Meghalaya Judiciary Education & Exams Law & Courts

Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority launches a child safety initiative, with the Chief Justice stressing that a minor's consent is no defence

14 October 2026

The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and the state government have launched an initiative to strengthen child safety. Mrs Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya and Patron-in-Chief of the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, said the project was conceived in response to cases seen in judicial proceedings. She stressed the need for awareness of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, especially among adolescents, and said that a minor's consent is not a valid legal defence. She said offences under the Act carry stringent punishment, and urged children to stay focused on their education. The Act applies to any person below the age of 18.

Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya: Mrs Justice Revati Mohite Dere Age threshold under the Act: below 18

Why it matters for exams: It names the Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya and states the age threshold and the consent rule under the child protection law.

Kerala PSCUPSC

14 October 2026 Source: Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Meghalaya

In plain words

POCSO Act Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 — The central law that defines and punishes sexual offences against anyone below 18.

MSLSA Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority — The state body that provides free legal aid and runs legal awareness work, headed in patronage by the Chief Justice.