New Delhi — In an important step to combat the growing amount of cases brought under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in India, the Supreme Court of India has ordered to the Central Government to establish special POCSO courts across the nation on an initial basis.
A bench headed by chief justice DY Chandrachud issued the directive warning of the alarming lapse in cases that involve sexual assault committed against children. The supreme court stressed that children are entitled to speedy justice and that delays only increase the trauma they suffer.
“These aren’t just cases of law. They are broken lives with fragile futures” the judge said in the course of hearing.
Pendency of POCSO Cases: A Disturbing Picture
According to the information presented to this court more than 1.9 million POCSO proceedings are pending across India. In a number of areas, there isn’t even one POCSO court. POCSO court which means these delicate cases to be handled by the judicial system in general which can lead to significant delays.
The Supreme Court made it clear that such a state circumstances can be unacceptable and in direct contradiction to the intent of the POCSO Act of 2012 which requires child-friendly procedures as well as swift removal of sexual offences that involve minors.
What the Court Ordered
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The Centre must collaborate with all government departments in the state to ensure every district is served by at minimum one court for POCSO..
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The special courts should be fully operational and have committed judges and staff who are trained in procedures for children..
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An state report regarding compliance must be provided to the judge in the space of 2 months..
Need for Speedy Justice
Child rights advocates have praised the decision. Kavita Srivastava, a renowned child rights lawyer, said in Art Kerala,
“Justice delayed is not justice, particularly for children who have been victims. The Supreme Court’s order conveys a clear message to parents that child safety must be prioritized.”
Why Special POCSO Courts Matter
A case brought that fall under the POCSO Act often involve deeply emotional, psychological or psychological suffering. Special courts ensure:
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Fast-track hearings
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Child witnesses are subject to a sever treatment witnesses
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Trials with closed-doors to safeguard your identity
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Minimal re-traumatization during proceedings
If they are not, then the process itself could become an source of damage on the part of victims.
What’s Next?
The ball is now in the court of the Centre. Civil society, lawyers and the families of survivors are closely watching and hoping that the execution is swift and honest.
As the country struggles with the increasing cases of child abuse and child abuse cases, this decision taken by the Supreme Court could be a crucial moment for the child protection system in India.
Stay informed about this evolving story as well as other legal, political, and social news stories at the Art Kerala.
