Who of the following police officers is empowered to record statement of a child under Section 24 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012?
Constable
Any woman police officer
Woman police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector
Woman police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is option 3.
Under Section 24 of the POCSO Act, 2012, the statement of the child shall be recorded at the child's residence or a place where he usually resides or at his choice of place, and as far as practicable by a woman police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector. The officer shall not be in uniform while recording the statement. The investigating officer must ensure that the child does not come in contact with the accused at any point. No child shall be detained in the police station at night for any reason. The officer shall also ensure that the child's identity is protected from public media unless directed otherwise by the Special Court in the child's interest.
