Section 18 of POCSO : Section 18: Punishment For Attempt To Commit An Offence

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where an individual, John, is found to be engaging in conversation with a minor over the internet with the intention to meet and commit an act of sexual assault. Before the meeting can take place, the authorities are alerted and they apprehend John. Even though John did not succeed in committing the assault, his actions such as planning the meeting and initiating the conversation with the minor with the clear intent to commit the crime are considered an attempt under Section 18 of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Consequently, John can be charged and prosecuted for attempting to commit a sexual offence against a child, and if found guilty, he could face a punishment that is up to one half of the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed for the offence he intended to commit.