**Karnataka government** issued strict guidelines on **Friday, April 3, 2026**, making it **mandatory** for all **private hospitals** in the state to immediately report cases of pregnancy in girls below 18 years of age. This report is to be done under **Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012**. This directive issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services aims to curb the increasing cases of sexual exploitation of children and ensure timely intervention, protection and rehabilitation for minor victims.

These guidelines reiterate **Section 19(1)** of the POCSO Act, which imposes a legal duty on any person — including doctors. If any person has knowledge of or suspects that a crime has been committed, he or she must immediately report it to **Special Juvenile Police Unit** or **Local Police Station**. In cases where a pregnant minor girl is admitted to a hospital, it is mandatory for the concerned doctor or hospital to inform the nearest police unit without any delay. Additionally, hospitals will also have to call **Child Helpline (1098)** to facilitate safety and rehabilitation measures.

Punitive action will be taken for non-reporting. The guidelines state that any person in-charge of a hospital or institution, who fails to report any offense committed under his charge, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year and with fine. The government has warned that if these instructions are not followed, legal action will be taken against both the doctors and hospitals concerned.

Hospitals have also been instructed to:
– Maintain proper medical records of such cases as per law
– Ensure patient confidentiality by fully cooperating with investigating authorities
– Create awareness about the provisions of POCSO among doctors and staff
– Enter details of all POCSO cases in a systematic manner

The move comes amid concerns over the rising incidence of teenage pregnancies linked to sexual exploitation in the state. These guidelines come into force with **immediate effect** and will be applicable to all private hospitals operating in Karnataka.