CPO and CPOC

Relationship of the CPO-Bharat with the Child Protection Overseeing Committee (CPOC)

1. As the Indian Bureau is the legal authority for ISKCON in India and any legal action brought against it could directly affect its members, it is therefore accepted that the CPO–Bharat functions under the authority of the Indian Bureau. Furthermore, all CPO cases within India fall under the jurisdiction of Indian Law—namely, the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012—which are stringent and legally binding. Hence, the CPO–Bharat must comply fully with these legal standards.

2. The Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC) is a GBC-nominated body responsible for upholding policies, structures, and processes for effective child protection across ISKCON. Operating independently, the CPOC does not engage in direct involvement with specific cases, adjudications, or appeals. Instead, its role is to provide governance, oversight, and strategic guidance for ISKCON's global child protection efforts.

3. In keeping with ISKCON internal framework, the CPO–Bharat is not independent of the Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC) but will follow the global guidelines established by the CPOC in all circumstances. The CPO–Bharat will also maintain regular communication with the CPOC for information sharing and database coordination, in order to prevent known offenders from moving within or between regions.

4. The CPOC will be kept informed of all cases being investigated in India, and consultation may be sought on any complex or high-profile matters when necessary. While recognizing that each region has its own culturally sensitive context, CPO–Bharat remains committed to cooperating with the CPOC to ensure a unified global standard and consistent protection framework across ISKCON.

5. The CPO–Bharat will handle all cases arising within India, providing bi-monthly and annual reports to both the Indian Bureau and the CPOC. It will ensure transparent data sharing with the CPOC for global recordkeeping and coordination.

6. For cases that have cross-border implications involving India and other countries, the CPO–Bharat will promptly inform the CPOC and cooperate as per mutually agreed procedures. However, the adjudication of cases within India will rest solely with the CPO–Bharat, in alignment with Indian law and ISKCON–Bharat’s established processes.

7. The Enhanced Approach adopted by the GBC Body strengthens ISKCON’s global response to child protection by ensuring accountability, professional investigation, and trauma-informed care. The CPO–Bharat functions in harmony with this enhanced system, ensuring that all investigations, reviews, and adjudications in India meet both the GBC’s standards and India’s legal requirements.

To contact the CPOC visit CPOC Website