“we are of the opinion that sex education should be provided to the children from a younger age and not class IX onwards.” Opined the Supreme Court bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar & Justice Alok Aradhe while hearing a bail plea of a juvenile (Appellant) accused under Sections 376 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

By the order dated 10/09/2025, the Supreme Court had directed the release of the Appellant on terms and conditions to be fixed by the Juvenile Justice Board concerned. The Court took note of the Appellant’s age, being a fifteen-year-old boy and consequently granted bail to the Appellant. However, vide the order dated 12/09/2025 the bench also directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to file an additional affidavit informing the Court as to how sex education is provided as a part of the curriculum in higher secondary schools within the State of Uttar Pradesh so that young adolescents are made aware of the hormonal changes that come with puberty and the consequences that may flow therefrom.

Pursuant to the direction, an additional affidavit was filed and it was submitted that a curriculum, with the directives of the National Council of Educational Research & Training, is being provided for classes IX to XII.

It was at this juncture the court opined that, “However, we are of the opinion that sex education should be provided to the children from a younger age and not class IX onwards. It is for the authorities concerned to apply their mind and take corrective measures, so that children are informed of the changes that happen after puberty and the care and cautions to be taken in relation thereto.”

The bench, however, has not issued any mandatory directions for the observation but has left the responsibility open to concerned authorities to take necessary steps.

Case Title: Juvenile X V The State Of U.P., Crl.A. No.4373/2025