Operation Conviction | 03 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a transformation in its law and order situation through a strict zero-tolerance policy, including Operation Conviction, which focuses on securing swift convictions and tackling serious crimes.

Key Points

• Operation Conviction & Impact: 
  • Launched in July 2023, Operation Conviction has emerged as a key strategy to ensure swift justice by focusing on fast-track prosecution, leading to significant improvements in conviction rates. 
    • In crimes against children, several received the death penalty under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and more than 600 were sentenced to life imprisonment. 
    • Significant convictions have been secured in cases involving top criminals and notorious mafias, underscoring the focus on organized crime. 
  • POCSO Act, 2012:  
    • About:  
      • The POCSO Act was enacted to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children, defining a child as anyone below 18 years.  
      • It was enacted in consequence to India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1992).   
    • Key Features:  
      • The Act is gender-neutral, protecting both boys and girls from sexual abuse. It provides for interim compensation by Special Courts and immediate relief through the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for urgent needs.   
      • A support person is appointed to assist the child through legal proceedings. Section 23 ensures confidentiality by prohibiting disclosure of the victim’s identity in the media. 
  • Organised Crime: 
    • Organised crime is defined as illegal activities carried out by groups or networks working together, often involving violence, corruption, or related actions to gain financial or material benefits. 
    • Transnational organised crime (TOC) occurs when activities or groups operate in multiple countries. 
    • Different forms of organised crime include: 
      • Money Laundering, Drug Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Illicit Firearms Trafficking, Trafficking in Natural Resources, Fraudulent Medicines, Cybercrime and Identity Theft.