The Kerala Children Act, 1972State Act of Kerala · Act 3 of 1973
(1) Whoever, having the actual charge of, or control over, a child, assaults, abandons, exposes or wilfully neglects the child or causes or procures him to be assaulted, abandoned, exposed or neglected in a manner likely to cause such child unnecessary mental and physical suffering, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
(2) No Court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under sub-section (1) unless the complaint is filed with the previous sanction of the Government or an officer authorized by them in this behalf.