‘The gap between what the law promises and what children actually experience in court… defines my work’ Akanksha Natesan
Children in India are protected by a robust framework of laws designed to uphold their rights and safeguard their futures. On paper, the intent is clear. In practice, however, many children continue to encounter uncertainty, fear, and systemic barriers as they move through judicial processes.
Across states, children are entitled to the same standard of protection. Yet their lived experiences often fall short of what the law guarantees. Bridging this gap is not the responsibility of the legal system alone. It requires sustained collaboration across civil society to ensure that protection is not just promised, but meaningfully delivered.
In March 2026, iProbono’s South Asia Justice Network united a group of lawyers, academics and civil society members at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge for Stories From the Ground: Child Protection Laws and Realities in India. The event featured presentations from advocates and iProbono India alumni Akanksha Natesan and Priya Watwani, followed by a discussion moderated by Aswini Weereratne KC, Head of Chambers at Doughty Street Chambers and Trustee at iProbono.
‘The span of work you covered… is enormous, and….the depth of the involvement of the lawyers and those around you has been crucial’ Aswini Weereratne KC
Through case studies, the speakers unpacked the realities of enforcing child protection laws such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 across jurisdictions. Akanksha reflected on the painsaking work of documenting witness compensation processes in child sexual assault cases, with a clear intention that these processes will push these systems towards automation and consistency.
Priya highlighted how recommendations developed by iProbono India’s Delhi team were translated into policies to protect children from retraumatisation during court proceedings. These interventions did not remain confined to one jurisdiction. They informed practices in Karnataka, demonstrating how local insights can shape broader systemic change.
The presented case studies demonstrated that legislation alone cannot guarantee protection. Implementation, empathy, and coordination determine whether the law actually serves the child.
‘We have to change as a country and look at children as children’ Priya Watwani
The discussion and interactive Q&A that followed reaffirmed the fact that improving child welfare throughout India requires cross-disciplinary action. Social workers serve as critical voices, exposing everyday failures in child protection systems to policymakers. Meanwhile, activists and civil society hold institutions accountable, pressing them to close the gap between legal intent and lived reality.
What emerged was a shared understanding that child protection must be approached collectively. The law is not the end result. It is the starting point.
Real change depends on how systems respond to children, how institutions collaborate, and how consistently we centre the experiences of those most affected. Through continued dialogue, trust, and cross-sector action, there is an opportunity to move closer to a system where protection is not theoretical, but real.
