AU Law College, Police to collaborate for child safety

In a collaborative effort to ensure child safety, Andhra University Law College and the Visakhapatnam Police Department hosted a unique moot court presentation program on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The event brought together law students, faculty members, and police officers to raise awareness and highlight the importance of collective action in protecting children from abuse.
Police Commissioner Dr. A. Ravi Shankar, the keynote speaker, emphasized the need for combined efforts in safeguarding children. He expressed his commitment to working closely with young people and organizing similar programs in the future. Recognizing the crucial role of law students, he urged them to act with social responsibility and use their legal expertise to combat child abuse.
Dr. Shankar acknowledged the challenges faced by today’s youth, including the pressure to pursue corporate careers. However, he stressed the importance of finding fulfillment in serving underprivileged communities. He particularly focused on the significance of evidence collection in cases of child sexual abuse, highlighting its critical role in securing justice for victims. Despite the ever-increasing responsibilities of the police force, he assured the community of their dedicated investigative efforts and swift evidence gathering.
Law College Principal Acharya V. Vijayalakshmi, along with other key figures from the university and the police department, echoed Dr. Shankar’s sentiments and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the POCSO Act and related legal procedures.
The highlight of the program was a student-led moot court demonstration, showcasing the legal proceedings involved in a child abuse case. Students presented arguments from both the victim’s and the accused’s perspectives, highlighting the complexities of such cases and the importance of ensuring a fair trial. The process of presenting evidence and securing appropriate punishment for the accused was symbolically enacted, demonstrating the impartiality of the judicial system.
The event, attended by a large number of police officers, university staff, and law college students, served as a crucial platform for collaboration and understanding. It fostered a sense of shared responsibility among various stakeholders towards protecting children from abuse and ensuring their well-being. This initiative by AU Law College and the Visakhapatnam Police Department sets a positive example of how law and law enforcement can work together to create a safer environment for children.