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Revealing to therapist about a POCSO Violation


10-Aug-2026 (In Criminal Law)
One of my friends wants to take therapy and as a minor he had some intimate relationships with consent. Also in borderline cases where he was 18+ and the other person was less than 18, in these cases can the therapist report to the police? How is the confidentiality here?
Answers (3)

Answer #1
965 votes
Mandatory Reporting Under Section 19 Absolute Duty: Section 19 of the POCSO Act makes it mandatory for any person who has knowledge or apprehension of a sexual offence against a minor (anyone under 18) to report it to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police. No Professional Exemption: This statutory obligation strictly overrides traditional professional codes of confidentiality, including medical, psychological, or therapist-client privilege. Criminal Liability for Failure: Under Section 21 of the Act, any professional who intentionally fails to report such knowledge can face up to six months of imprisonment, a fine, or both
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Advocate Dhruv. K

Adv. Dhruv. K

LawRatoBangalore / Bengaluru | 100+ Answers
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Answer #2
597 votes
Dear Sir When the individual was an adult above 18 and the other person was below 18 any sexual involvement constitutes an offense under POCSO making mandatory reporting legally binding for therapists failing to report can attract criminal liability under Section 21 ​Therapist confidentiality is protected generally under medical ethics and mental healthcare law but mandatory statutory obligations like POCSO override professional confidentiality privileges
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Advocate Kishan Dutt Kalaskar

Adv. Kishan Dutt Kalaskar

LawRatoBangalore / Bengaluru | 1000+ Answers
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Answer #3
562 votes
hello I can take it you can submit to the police station who has an enquiry I hope for the particular you are looking for a test 18 + you are expening about the 18th phase it's considered 16 it 16 years of age itself so you can general what exactly happen you have to tell
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Advocate Vanitha

Adv. Vanitha

LawRatoBangalore / Bengaluru | 25+ Answers
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