In Brief

The Supreme Court issued a comprehensive order establishing a mandatory framework for creating exclusive POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Courts across India. Courts must be set up in all districts with 100+ pending POCSO cases; districts with 300+ cases require two courts. These dedicated courts will try only POCSO cases and be fully funded by the Central Government, featuring child-friendly infrastructure and specially trained staff. The order directs states to set up necessary infrastructure by 31 January 2020 and begin operations by 1 March 2020. Given the alarming 44,000 pending cases in Uttar Pradesh alone, differentiated criteria were prescribed for UP and West Bengal. The Court stressed that abused children require sensitive, empathetic handling distinct from ordinary litigation.

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