2.5 lakh POCSO cases pending: Nothing 'fast' about Fast-track courts of India

KOCHI: Over 2.5 lakh cases are pending in fast-track courts across the country for the trial of cases of sexual assault against children (POCSO cases). Courts in various states are taking between three months and four and a half years to dispose of the cases. The main reason is the delay in the results of scientific tests from forensic labs. Other reasons include increased complaints due to greater public awareness and complications in court procedures.

774 courts in India are trying cases of sexual assault against children. Of these, 398 are exclusively for POCSO cases.

The police have been instructed to complete the investigation and file a chargesheet in POCSO cases within 60 days. Forensic labs can delay the results of chemical tests for up to a year due to various reasons. Testing of bodily fluids, DNA, phone and other digital evidence is required in most cases. Chargesheets that do not include this will be incomplete.

The average time taken to dispose of POCSO cases in Kerala is 2 years and 66 days. More than 6,500 cases are pending in 56 special courts. Thiruvananthapuram district leads the way with more than 1,300 cases pending.

Leading

1. Puducherry - 180 days

2. Andhra Pradesh - 257

3. Madhya Pradesh - 380

Lagging Behind

1. Delhi - 1640 days

2. Tripura - 1484

3. Manipur - 1350