What is Grooming? Mumbai POCSO Court Convicts Man For ‘Grooming’ Minor

A man was recently found guilty of "grooming" a young girl by a Mumbai court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO Act).

Priya Bankar, a special POCSO judge, gave the man a six-month prison term after noting that sexual offences against children could impact the survivor's mental well-being and future. The 15-year-old complainant claimed in her complaint that the accused repeatedly approached her as she was leaving school under the pretence of selling notebooks and pens.

In its ruling, the Court stated that the accused's actions of stalking the survivor repeatedly and attempting to get in touch with her by asking her to buy pens and books would unquestionably constitute sexual harassment.

Mumbai POCSO Court Convicts Man For Grooming Minor:

The order stated, "The accused's actions clearly indicate that he has a sexual agenda, which is why he followed the 15-year-old girl and approached her while offering a pen and a book in an effort to get to know her better and start a relationship." It was a process of preparing the youngster for his sexual desires. Furthermore, the accused has provided no explanation for why he attempted to contact the young girl at the relevant time."

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Despite the survivor's lack of interest, he made an attempt to speak with her by asking her to take a pen and a book. According to the court, the same is sufficient to demonstrate the accused's sexual intent. The accused is 40 years old, and the survivor is 15 years old. Therefore, given the age gap between the both, it was unnecessary for the accused to approach the victim, follow her, or even offer her a pen or book. The Court noted that the accused's aforementioned act was sufficient to demonstrate his sexual intent.

The Court also highlighted the recent rise in offences against minors, which showed the accused's inhumane perspective. "The incident has had a very negative impact on the survivor, her family, and even society. Such an incident will have an impact on the survivor's future and mental health," the court noted in the conviction order.

What is Grooming?

Communication, befriending attempts, and other attempts to form an emotional bond with a child or their parent or caretaker are all examples of grooming. Before they are sexually abused, young people are frequently "groomed." They might initially be duped into believing they are in a secure and healthy relationship, failing to recognise the abuse as it's happening or believing they have no other option but to submit to it.

Due to the fact that grooming behaviour occasionally resembles "normal" caring behaviour, it may be difficult to recognise when someone is being groomed until after they have been sexually abused. ​