There are more than 1700 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act pending in Meghalaya as of June 2024, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed the Assembly last week.
Highlighting the various reasons for their pendency, Lyngdoh said there are six POCSO special courts in the state that exclusively handle POCSO cases – two in East Khasi Hills and one each in West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi and West Garo Hills. The judicial magistrates are also handling other court cases apart from the POCSO cases in their respective district courts.
Cancellation of hearings due to non-appearance by the accused, survivors and/or witnesses causes delay in completion of trials.
He also cited the non-appearance by parties concerned due to various factors like sickness, exams and other factors, which only prolong trials.
The minister further informed that nearly 900 POCSO cases have been resolved and closed up to June.
Meanwhile, there are 280 cases pending before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) for the April to June 2024 quarter.
On the reasons for their pendency, Lyngdoh said that the rising number of cases involving offences committed by children in conflict with the law often overwhelms the existing systems. The spike in cases can lead to backlogs as the JJB struggles to manage the increased workload in a timely manner.
The procedural framework surrounding cases related to lawbreaking minors often leads to delays. Legal requirements and frequent adjournments can prolong the legal process. The frequent need for psychological assessments and social investigations can also contribute to delays, he added.
There are only three observation homes in Meghalaya that look after children in conflict with law (CCL) – one each for boys and girls in East Khasi Hills and one for boys in West Garo Hills.
The principal magistrates and JJB members from other districts have to travel to these observation homes for production and hearing, which poses a challenge to conduct regular hearings and disposal of cases.
The principal magistrate does not handle cases related only to CCL but also deals with other cases in the district court.
