Satya Prakash
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 25
The Supreme Court today ordered setting up of centrally funded special courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in each district having more than 100 FIRs within 60 days to exclusively try those accused of sexual assault on children.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said: “Such courts will be set up under a Central scheme and funded by the Centre. The funds will not only take care of the appointment of the presiding officer, but also that of the support staff, special public prosecutors, court staff and infrastructure.”
The Bench said only those who have requisite academic qualification and are sensitive to the needs of a child should be appointed.
“The same standards will also apply in the matter of appointment of special public prosecutors,” it said.
On the suggestion of amicus curiae V Giri, the top court directed the Ministry of Women and Child Development to prepare a short clip to spread awareness on prevention of child abuse and screen it in all movie halls. It said the clip could also be transmitted by various television channels at regular intervals.
“A child helpline number should also be displayed not only in such clip but also in schools and other public places of prominence,” it said. Directing the Centre to inform it about the status of compliance of the order within four weeks, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on September 26.
The Worst three
States Cases
Uttar Pradesh 44,376
Maharashtra 19,000
Madhya Pradesh 9,000
1.6 lakh pending across India
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