High Court Criticizes Mishandling of POCSO Act Charges

The Gujarat High Court criticized police and prosecution for not invoking POCSO Act sections against four men in a molestation case until eight years after the FIR. The court noted the victim's age was ignored, leading to delays, and urged authorities to prevent similar occurrences.

The Gujarat High Court has sharply criticized the police and prosecution for their handling of a molestation case involving four men. The case, which dates back eight years, saw sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act invoked just before the trial's completion.

Justice Sandeep Bhatt expressed dismay that neither the assistant public prosecutor nor other officials acted upon the victim's 2018 deposition, wherein she revealed she was only 15 years old at the time of the incident. This oversight, the court noted, indicated a failure by authorities to perform their duties with due diligence.

The High Court permitted the accused to challenge the matter before a POCSO court but refused to dismiss the case. It further instructed senior officials to investigate systemic failings and prevent recurrence of such procedural lapses across the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)