List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “It is an offence: On Supreme Court clarification on online content on child sex abuse’

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “It is an offence: On Supreme Court clarification on online content on child sex abuse’

The Supreme Court’s recent clarification on online content involving child sex abuse provides a comprehensive delineation of the penal consequences for individuals engaging with such materials. The ruling is in consonance with existing laws aimed at protecting children from exploitation. By addressing previous legal ambiguities, the court has laid to rest concerns about whether merely viewing illegal content is punishable.

The court also invoked the doctrine of constructive possession, asserting that even those who view content without physically downloading it can be held liable. In doing so, it set aside earlier rulings that relied on a narrow interpretation of the law. This decision draws attention to the responsibility of online platforms to monitor and remove harmful content more effectively.

1.Delineation of the penal consequences

• Meaning: A clear description or explanation of the legal punishments related to a particular offense.
• Example: "The court provided a detailed delineation of the penal consequences for those involved in child exploitation."

2.  In consonance with

• Meaning: In agreement or harmony with something.
• Example: "The new policy is in consonance with the court's ruling on online content involving children."

3.  Lay to rest

• Meaning: To resolve or bring an end to a problem or uncertainty.
• Example: "The court's ruling laid to rest the confusion over the interpretation of the law regarding child sexual content."

4.  Invoking the doctrine of constructive possession

• Meaning: Referring to a legal principle where a person can be considered to have possession of something even if they don’t physically possess it.
• Example: "The court invoked the doctrine of constructive possession to clarify that viewing child sexual content without downloading can still be an offense."

5.  Set aside

• Meaning: To annul or overturn a previous decision or ruling.
• Example: "The Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s decision that merely watching illegal content did not constitute an offense."

6.  Narrow interpretation

• Meaning: A strict or limited reading of a legal text, which may ignore broader implications.
• Example: "The court warned against a narrow interpretation of the law, which could undermine efforts to combat child exploitation."

7.  Draw attention to

• Meaning: To focus attention on a particular issue or point.
• Example: "The ruling draws attention to the duty of online platforms to remove and report illegal content."