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 Mr. V. Giri, learned Amicus Curiae and Mr. Surinder S. Rathi, learned Registrar of this Court, who has been entrusted with the work of collating and collecting data in association with the office of the learned Amicus Curiae. We have also heard Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General. Reports by the learned Amicus Curiae, as well as, Mr. Rathi, learned Registrar have been duly perused. Both the reports contain several suggestions in respect of the core of the issue, namely, to ensure timely completion of investigations and consequential trials in the offences under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). While, both the learned Amicus Curiae and Mr. Rathi, in their reports, have suggested that further time should be granted for collection of data in terms of the earlier order of this Court, we are inclined to take a different view of the matter at this stage. Instead of adjourning the case for reciept of further/additional data, we are inclined to proceed to issue certain directions hereinafter contained.

(2.) Having considered the matter, we have deemed it proper to issue the following directions, which will be implemented by the Union of India and the State Governments forthwith:-

(3.) From the reports of the learned Amicus Curiae, it appears to us that one of the major causes of delay in winding up the investigations and in cases where charge sheets have been filed, in winding up the trial, is delay in receipt of the reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory. The learned Amicus Curiae's suggestion is that there should be designated Forensic Science Laboratories in every district of the country for the purposes of the POCSO Act. We are of the view that the said suggestion could await orders of the Court at a later stage.