Special court to try POCSO Act cases inaugurated in Theni

In Theni, a special court has been opened to try cases booked under the POCSO Act. The Principal District Judge inaugurated the court, which was attended by the District Collector, Superintendent of Police and other judicial officers. Over 200 POCSO cases are pending in Theni and 11 other districts have over 300 cases each. The Tamil Nadu govt. has ordered four courts to be established this year, with more to follow in 2021. This is a step forward to protect children's rights and safety.

A special court has been opened in Theni district, to try cases booked under the POCSO Act, here on Wednesday, September 27.

The Principal District Judge K. Arivoli inaugurated the court in the presence of District Collector R.V. Shajeevana, Superintendent of Police Praveen Umesh Dongre and other senior judicial officers by lighting a lamp at the court complex.

Shortly after the inauguration, Judge Ganesan commenced hearing at the special court POCSO (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences) Act 2012.

Advocates said that in Theni district, over 200 POCSO Act cases were pending and thanked the administration for having set up an exclusive court. “We hope the trial is expedited and the accused were convicted within a year as per the laws,” they added.

According to data, 11 out of 16 districts with special POCSO courts have over 300 cases each pending, which included Chennai, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore and among others. Though the Supreme Court had in 2019 stated that districts, where there are more than 300 cases, two exclusive courts need to be established, it had not been complied with yet in many districts, the advocates said.

The Tamil Nadu government had, in an order issued in April, said that four courts would be established including Theni district by this year and other districts would get similar facility in the coming year.