In a significant order aimed at strengthening the judicial response to child sexual abuse cases, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Haryana Government to expedite the process of establishing Fast Track Special Courts under the POCSO Act within a period of two months.
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A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel issued the directive while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking increased judicial infrastructure to handle cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
"To expedite the process of establishment of Fast Track Special Courts under POCSO Act, the State of Haryana is directed to expedite the process especially for issuing relevant necessary notification in this regard, within a period of two months,"
— observed the Bench.
The PIL also called for compliance with the Supreme Court's directions in the case titled 'RE: Alarming Rise in the Number of Reported Child Rape Incidents [Suo Motu CWP (Crl.) No.1 of 2019]', which urged states to establish dedicated courts to handle child sexual abuse cases.
During the proceedings, the counsel representing the High Court informed the Bench that a recommendation was made on April 21 for the establishment of two Fast Track Special POCSO Courts in Faridabad, and one each in Panchkula and Gurugram. These recommendations have been forwarded to the Haryana Government for further action.
Supporting the initiative, Satya Pal Jain, the Additional Solicitor General of India, brought to the Court’s attention that the Central Government has already allocated ₹200 crores for the operation of Fast Track and POCSO Courts across various states.
The Central Government, in its reply, further clarified that while funding support is being provided, the responsibility for establishing and designating Special Courts under the POCSO Act lies with the State Governments.
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"For the time being, the grievances raised by the petitioners have been answered satisfactorily,"
— stated the High Court, acknowledging the steps already taken and directing further urgent action.
This order aims to ensure swift justice in POCSO-related cases and enforce the mandates of the Supreme Court in light of the growing number of crimes against children. The matter stands as a reminder to state governments to prioritize child protection by ensuring timely legal intervention through dedicated judicial infrastructure.
Mr. Shikhar Goel, Advocate (Through VC), Mr. Abhimanu Jangra, Advocate and Mr. Soeb Khan, Advocate, for the petitioner
Ms. Ashima Mor, Advocate (Through VC) and Mr. Gyan Parkash Saini, Advocate, for respondent no.1-HC
Mr. Naveen S. Bhardwaj, Addl. AG, Haryana
Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India with Ms. Krishna Dayama, Senior Panel Counsel for UOI
Title: Anshul and others v. Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh and others
