IN RE: ALARMING RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CHILD RAPE INCIDENTS Vs. IN RE: ALARMING RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CHILD RAPE INCIDENTS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have heard Shri V. Giri, learned Amicus Curiae, who has taken us through the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, (for short, "?the POCSO Act') and has submitted that the provisions of the POCSO Act need to be strictly implemented at all stages, commencing from the stage of investigation and the different facets of the trial. Shri Giri submitted that it would be convenient to make his suggestions in writing with regard to the guidelines/directions that should be issued by the Court SMW(Crl.) 1/19 once he is able to collate all the relevant facts which would require coordination of the Registries of the various High Courts.

(2.) We request Shri Giri to proceed with the exercise, to facilitate which, we direct Shri Surinder S. Rathi, Registrar of this Court to work in association with Shri Giri's office and get the required information which would be in the context of the total number of POCSO cases pending in each district of the country. The period for which the POCSO cases remained pending may also be collected separately. This exercise shall commence from today and be completed within ten days, whereafter the matter will be listed before us again on 25th July, 2019. Mr. Rathi will be at liberty to work in tandem with the Secretaries of the Juvenile Justice Committees of different High Courts to receive necessary information.

(3.) List the matter on 25th July, 2019.