Govt sets up 27 fast track special courts across Maharashtra to expedite child sexual assault trials

Time of India

a day ago

Pune: State govt has established 27 fast track special courts in Maharashtra, including four in Pune district, to conduct time-bound trials and dispose of pending cases related to sexual assault and crimes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012.
According to a notification issued by the law and judiciary department on Aug 1, three courts were set up at the sessions court in Pune city. Additionally, a court commenced functioning at the sessions court in Khed in the district. Six courts were also established at the Bombay city civil and sessions courts, two in Dindoshi, and one each in Thane, Nashik, Kolhapur, and Nagpur, among other locations.
Central govt issued guidelines under the National Mission for Safety of Women for setting up fast track special courts to ensure speedy disposal of cases filed under the
Pocso Act
.
In Pune district, approximately more than 6,000 cases are pending in various courts.
You Can Also Check:
Pune AQI
|
Weather in Pune
|
Bank Holidays in Pune
|
Public Holidays in Pune
Legal experts and child rights activists said Maharashtra govt's move is to address the backlog of cases related to crimes against children.
Supreme Court lawyer Sana Raees Khan told TOI: "The establishment of 27 fast track special courts is certainly a step in the right direction, but we must not ignore the ground reality. Designated Pocso courts have existed for years, yet cases continue to languish for years due to systemic bottlenecks.
The problem has never been just the number of courts; it is the pace and quality of justice. Without appointing adequately trained judges, ensuring efficient case management, timely forensic reports, and proper victim witness protection, these courts risk becoming yet another layer of formality rather than a solution.
"
In crimes against children, every day of delay adds to the trauma, Khan said. "True progress will come only when infrastructure is matched with efficiency, sensitivity, and absolute responsibility."
Child rights activist Varsha Rokade said child rights should be given utmost importance in the country because children are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse, child labour, child marriage, and deprived of education. "They are denied childhood and cannot express themselves like women can. To safeguard the rights of children, mainly girls, this is a right step taken by govt. The courts should either work 24/7 or in two shifts of eight hours each to fast-track the hearing of cases in the shortest possible time as per the mandate of the Pocso Act.
"
Govt should also appoint a special district-wise committee to monitor the functioning of the children's shelter homes to study and understand their problems and suggest possible solutions, Rokade said, adding these committees should submit reports before the fast track special courts.
Retired prosecutor Balasaheb Khopade suggested that a team of designated special public prosecutors and pairvi officers be appointed to serve summons on witnesses to secure their presence before the courts for recording their evidence, executing warrants, and securing the presence of accused lodged in state jails either by videoconferencing or physical production.
"As of now, prosecutors appointed in special courts are given general powers to handle all criminal cases.
The new courts scheme sounds good, but its execution is important," Khopade said.
Cases related to crimes against children pending before the 25 courts in Pune district will now be transferred to the four new courts to expedite trials, special prosecutor Leena Pathak said.
Defence lawyer Maruti Jadhav said that on an average more than 150 cases are listed for hearing before the Pocso court, but evidence of merely five witnesses is recorded because the existing court is overburdened with work. "Out of the four new courts, one court will hear and pass orders on the police remand/magisterial custody remand reports. All the fast track special courts have been given power to hear and decide on bail pleas.
Now litigants will get shorter dates instead of longer ones, and trials can be expedited," Jadhav said.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Raksha Bandhan wishes
,
messages
and
quotes
!