Govt to set up 14 courts within two months for cases of violence against women

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to set up special courts in each of the 14 districts to hear cases of violence against women, including dowry and domestic violence. Law Secretary V Hari Nair told Kerala Kaumudi that efforts are underway to set up these courts within two months.

The High Court had directed the government to set up special courts to ensure speedy sentencing of offenders by avoiding the backlog of cases against women. Chief Justice Manikumar had also raised the issue during his meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The High Court had directed the government to either set up special courts in all districts or to convert Magistrate Courts into separate courts. However, the law secretary said it was not practical to convert the magistrate court into a special court as more than 17,000 cases were pending in each magistrate court. Subsequently, the High Court permitted to set up special courts in each district.

There are 28 POCSO courts in the state. It has been decided to convert half of the 28 upcoming POCSO courts into courts that consider violence against women.

Cost of Rs 75 lakh each
The cost to set up a special court is estimated at Rs 75 lakh. In Uttar Pradesh, 218 fast track courts have been set up, with 60 per cent of the cost being borne by the Centre and 40 per cent by the state.