HC asks Delhi Police to consider dedicated POCSO probe teams in every district

New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has directed the Commissioner of Police to consider setting up dedicated investigation teams for cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in every police district of the national capital to ensure timely probe into such cases

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning delay in the investigation of crimes under the POCSO Act.

During the hearing, the petitioner drew the High Court’s attention to the statutory timelines prescribed under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

The CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench was informed that Section 35 of the POCSO Act mandates that evidence of a child victim be recorded within 30 days of the Special Court taking cognisance of the offence, while the trial is required to be completed, as far as possible, within one year.

The petitioner further referred to Section 193(2) of the BNSS, which mandates that investigation into specified offences under the POCSO Act be completed within two months from the date on which the FIR is registered by the officer in charge of the police station. It was submitted before the High Court that there have been numerous instances where investigations were not completed within the time stipulated by law.

The petitioner, Zuber Ali, had sought the setting up of dedicated POCSO Investigation Teams in every police district of Delhi to ensure timely investigation of such cases. The petitioner had also submitted a representation dated September 5, before the Commissioner of Police, highlighting the issue and seeking appropriate measures.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for the Delhi Police, on instructions, informed the High Court that the representation was being attended to and necessary consultation and other processes were underway.

Taking note of the response, the bench said that Delhi Police was already cognizant of the grievances raised in the representation and directed the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate steps while taking into account the suggestions made by the petitioner. It directed that a decision be taken within three months and asked counsel for Delhi Police to communicate the order to the Commissioner of Police forthwith.

–IANS

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