The Delhi High Court has observed that the act of a mother of silencing her minor daughter and permitting an accused to sexually abuse and assault her amounts to “abetment” under Section 17 of the POCSO Act. These acts go much beyond passive acquiescence and fall squarely within the ambit of “abetment” under Section 16 of the POCSO Act, punishable under Section 17,” the Court observed. This act of hers attracts punishment under Section 21 of POCSO Act, it said. This act of hers attracts punishment under Section 21 of POCSO Act,” it added. In view of the foregoing observations, the impugned judgment of conviction as well as order on sentence is upheld,” the Court concluded.