TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Team Herald
In a proactive move to expedite the resolution of cases
under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012, the
Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (Goa SCPCR) has recommended
for the creation of an exclusive Fast Track Court (FTC) tailored for South Goa
District. Peter F. Borges, the Chairperson of the Goa SCPCR met with Shri
Aleixo Sequiera, Minister for Law and Judiciary, to discuss this crucial
initiative.
Mandated by Section 44 of the POCSO Act, 2012, and Rule 12
of the POCSO Rules, 2020, the Goa SCPCR, assumes a critical responsibility for
vigilantly monitoring the implementation status of the POCSO Act.
The Goa SCPCR is actively engaged in a comprehensive
assessment of the implementation status of the POCSO Act. This involves
meticulous scrutiny of its provisions, investigative processes, trial
proceedings, and the accessibility of support services for victims.
Going beyond monitoring, the Goa SCPCR, plays a pivotal
advisory role by providing recommendations to the government. This includes
proposing legislative amendments, advocating policy changes, and suggesting
enhancements to the support infrastructure for the effective implementation of
the POCSO Act.
The recent extension of the Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs)
by the Union Cabinet, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026, aligns seamlessly
with the "Scheme on Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for Expeditious
Disposal of Cases of Rape and Protection of Children against Sexual Offences
(POCSO) Act," which initially sanctioned two FTSC courts for the state of Goa.
On compelling grounds, the Goa SCPCR strongly recommends the
establishment of an additional POCSO Fast Track Court in South Goa District.
The existing FTC in North Goa District, managing over 100
POCSO cases, strains its capacity for prompt and efficient trials. Establishing
a court in South Goa, would alleviate this burden, ensuring timely justice.
Additionally, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has recently issued an order
mandating the transfer of all rape cases and cases involving sexual offences
against children to the POCSO Court.
South Goa’s diverse topographical landscape, including
remote and inaccessible areas, poses considerable impediments for victims
accessing the current FTC in North Goa. Establishing a court in South Goa would
enhance geographical accessibility, safeguarding victims' right to expeditious
justice.
The scheme mandates exclusive POCSO Courts in districts with
over 100 cases. South Goa District meets this criterion, necessitating the
establishment of an additional court to address the risk of secondary
victimization.
With only one established POCSO court against the sanctioned
two, an additional court in South Goa is critical to addressing the backlog and
ensuring timely justice. Establishing an additional FTC in South Goa District,
is pivotal in providing prompt access to justice, minimizing the trauma
associated with prolonged trials.
The Goa SCPCR, urges immediate attention to the
establishment of an additional POCSO Fast Track Court in South Goa District,
reinforcing the government's commitment to justice and the safety of children.
