In Brief

In this suo moto petition initiated in response to the alarming rise in child sexual abuse cases, the Supreme Court examined the enforcement of timelines under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012. The Court found that statutory deadlines for investigation and trial completion were not being met due to insufficient dedicated POCSO courts nationwide. The Bench directed the Union and State Governments to establish exclusive courts for POCSO cases, ensure timely chargesheet filing, sensitize investigating officials, and set up forensic laboratories. While several states had complied, states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra required more dedicated courts. The Court emphasized that adequate judicial infrastructure and trained personnel are essential to realizing swift justice for child victims."

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