The Delhi High Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought action against Dalai Lama under the POCSO Act for an incident involving a child kiss controversy.
The plea, filed by a confederation of NGOs and Jeroninio Almeida, highlighted a viral video from April 2023 showing Dalai Lama kissing a child on the lips. The PIL argued that this act, occurring in a temple and captured in full public view, had a detrimental impact on the child's well-being.
In response, the bench comprising Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela acknowledged that the incident had occurred a year and a half ago and noted that Dalai Lama had issued a public apology for his actions.
The plea aimed to draw attention to the responsibility of spiritual and religious leaders in safeguarding children during public gatherings, emphasizing the need for guidelines to ensure child protection.
The petition expressed concern over the reactions from the Tibetan community, which attempted to justify the incident culturally, referring to tongue gestures as a traditional form of greeting.
Despite legislative safeguards like the POCSO Act, the petition lamented societal indifference towards protecting children from sexual offences, especially in cases involving revered figures.
Dalai Lama's apology, issued on April 10, 2023, came amidst widespread criticism and outrage. The incident sparked debates across media platforms and raised questions about the boundaries of acceptable behavior from spiritual leaders.
The dismissal of the PIL by the Delhi High Court underscores the complex intersection of cultural practices, child protection laws, and public perception regarding actions deemed inappropriate or offensive.
It reflects a legal stance that considers the context and apology offered by Dalai Lama, while also highlighting ongoing concerns about safeguarding children in spiritual and religious contexts.
The case serves as a reminder of the evolving interpretations of child protection laws and the societal responsibilities of influential figures, prompting broader discussions on ethics and accountability in religious and spiritual leadership.
Follow us
