<h4>Introduction to Strengthening POCSO Act 2012</h4><p>The <strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012</strong>, is a landmark legislation in India. It aims to protect children from various forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.</p><p>Recently, the <strong>Supreme Court of India</strong> delivered a significant ruling that further strengthened the ambit of this crucial Act. This judgment clarified and expanded what constitutes an offense under <strong>POCSO</strong>.</p><h4>Key Supreme Court Ruling</h4><p>The <strong>Supreme Court</strong> has unequivocally ruled that the act of <strong>watching or possessing sexually explicit material involving minors</strong> is an illegal activity. This constitutes a direct violation of the provisions outlined in the <strong>POCSO Act, 2012</strong>.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>This ruling clarifies that such actions are a <strong>punishable offence</strong> under the <strong>POCSO Act, 2012</strong>. Crucially, this holds true <strong>regardless of whether the material is further shared or transmitted</strong> to others. The mere act of viewing or holding such content is sufficient for prosecution.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> This ruling is vital for <strong>GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper III (Internal Security, Cybercrime)</strong>. It highlights the judiciary's proactive role in child protection and tackling online child abuse.</p></div>