KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has emphasized the importance of incorporating comprehensive sex education into the school and college curriculum, addressing the need for safe and responsible sexual practices.
In a recent judgment, the Court responded to a petition filed by a concerned father seeking the medical termination of his minor daughter's pregnancy, which resulted from an unfortunate incident of sibling incest.
Rather than attributing blame solely to the parents, the Court acknowledged that society as a whole bears the responsibility for such incidents. Sibling incest can occur within family systems that fail to provide a secure environment for their members. Additionally, the lack of knowledge regarding safe sex practices can contribute to these occurrences. Thus, it is the Court's considered opinion that the Government must earnestly contemplate the necessity of comprehensive sex education in schools and colleges. Building a strong and healthy societal foundation requires collective efforts from every citizen, rather than casting stones at those unfortunate individuals," the judgment read, emphasizing the significance of a supportive family atmosphere.
Furthermore, the Court has recommended the formation of a committee, if required, to thoroughly examine the inclusion of "safe sex education" in the curriculum of educational institutions.
Previously, the Court had granted permission for the medical termination of the minor girl's pregnancy during the seventh month. However, subsequent information revealed that the minor girl had already given birth.
Consequently, the Court directed the Child Welfare Committee to determine the custody of the newborn, following the guidelines outlined in the Juvenile Justice Act.
The Child Welfare Committee subsequently informed the Court that the baby had been voluntarily surrendered to them, and custody of the minor was entrusted to her uncle.
Considering the aforementioned circumstances, the Court deems no further orders necessary. The Child Welfare Committee will take appropriate steps in accordance with the law to safeguard the welfare of the newborn child. The state bears the responsibility of protecting vulnerable infants, and it is imperative to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring in our society in the future. The Court empathetically acknowledges the distress experienced by the parents and the victimized girl," the judgment concluded.
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