The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently expressed serious concerns regarding the handling of a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case by a trial court. Justice Sumeet Goel criticized the trial judge for postponing the cross-examination of the victim and her mother by five weeks without providing a substantial reason. The High Court deemed this delay a dereliction of judicial duty, emphasizing that such procrastination in serious matters undermines the expeditious administration of justice .

In a related context, the High Court has upheld convictions based solely on the testimony of child victims, provided their statements are consistent and credible. For instance, in a case involving a 13-year-old victim, the court maintained the life sentence of the accused, asserting that the victim’s unblemished testimony was sufficient for conviction, even if other witnesses, like the victim’s mother, deviated from their initial statements .

These developments highlight the judiciary’s emphasis on the importance of timely proceedings and the credibility of victim testimonies in POCSO cases. Delays and mishandling not only impede justice but also risk retraumatizing victims.

Sources