Kerala HC Slams State Over Poor POCSO Court Facilities

The Kerala High Court on [date] directed the State government to ensure that all courts designated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are equipped with adequate facilities. The order was passed in response to a petition highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure, including separate waiting areas, victim-friendly examination rooms, and video-conferencing equipment, which are mandated under the POCSO Act and related rules.

The court observed that the absence of such facilities not only delays trials but also re-traumatizes child victims. It emphasized that the State has a constitutional obligation to provide a safe and supportive environment for children seeking justice. The bench cited previous Supreme Court guidelines and the POCSO Rules, 2020, which require special courts to be child-friendly and equipped with necessary amenities. The State government has been given a deadline to submit a compliance report.

This directive comes amid growing concerns over the slow pace of justice in child sexual abuse cases across India. Child rights activists have welcomed the order, calling it a crucial step towards ensuring that the justice system does not further victimize survivors. The Kerala government's response and the implementation of these directives will be closely monitored, as they set a precedent for other states to follow in strengthening the infrastructure for POCSO courts nationwide.