Section 15 of POCSO : Section 15: Punishment For Storage Of Pornographic Material Involving Child

Explanation using Example

Imagine John, a computer technician, finds explicit images of children on a client's computer while repairing it. Aware that possessing such material is illegal, he initially intends to report it but then hesitates, thinking he could share it with a friend who he knows is interested in such content.

Under Section 15 of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012:

• If John keeps the material without reporting it and with the intention of sharing it, he could be fined at least five thousand rupees, and if he does this again, the fine would be no less than ten thousand rupees.
• Should he transmit, display, or distribute the material, he could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
• If John were to sell or distribute the material for commercial gain, he would face a minimum of three years in prison, which could extend to five years, and a fine on the first conviction. For subsequent convictions, the imprisonment would not be less than five years, which could extend to seven years, along with a fine.