Report No. 248

63. Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act, Act 93 of 1956

Category: Media, Communications and Publishing

Recommendation: Consider for repeal

This Act was enacted to prevent the dissemination of certain publications considered harmful to young persons. 'Young person' has been defined under the Act as a person under the age of 21 years which is inconsonant with several other legislations defining the age of majority.

Moreover, multiple laws govern this area-The IPC penalises speech and publications in various forms. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) was enacted inter alia to protect children from analogous harmful publications. This Act has also been recommended for repeal by the PC Jain Commission in its Appendix A-1.