Justice Delayed for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: Rajasthan’s Pendency of POCSO Cases Raises Concerns
In a recent research paper titled "Justice Awaits: An Analysis of the Efficiency of Justice Delivery Mechanisms in Cases of Child Abuse," Dr. Shailendra Pandya, former member of the Rajasthan Child Rights Commission, highlights the alarming pendency of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases in Rajasthan. According to the paper released by the India Child Protection Fund and Gayatri Seva Sansthan, as of January 2023, Rajasthan alone had 8,921 pending POCSO cases, projecting a timeline of nearly a decade for their resolution.
Dr. Pandya emphasizes the need for urgent attention to expedite trials and strengthen the justice system to ensure timely justice for sexually abused children. The paper points out that despite the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts and various initiatives, the backlog of POCSO cases remains a significant challenge, posing a threat to the well-being of the victims.
The research further reveals that as of January 2023, the nationwide backlog of POCSO cases stood at 2,43,237, with Rajasthan's situation indicating that it might take approximately ten years to clear the pending cases. Dr. Pandya urges the central and state governments to prioritize and strengthen the Fast Track Courts, providing them with the necessary resources to expedite justice delivery.
The paper calls for transparency in the functioning of these specialized courts, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and scrutiny. It also underscores the psychological trauma endured by victims and their families during the legal process, highlighting the need for a child-friendly and time-bound justice mechanism.
Dr. Pandya cites Supreme Court decisions and international crime records, asserting the inadequacy of the current legal measures in curbing child sexual abuse. The research recommends an increase in the number of Fast Track Special Courts, efficient utilization of court staff, and making their proceedings accessible to the public.
The report concludes with a plea for a comprehensive approach, involving child protection organizations, legal authorities, and the judiciary, to ensure the swift resolution of POCSO cases and protect the rights of the victims.
साभार :
© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.