Parameshwara says Pocso conviction rate at 0.05%, stresses need for courts' support

Belagavi: The conviction rate in Pocso cases is a paltry 0.05%, Home Minister G Parameshwara revealed on Thursday, stressing the need for the judiciary’s support to convict the culprits.

In the last three years, as many as 10,247 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act in the state, as per data tabled in the House.

“If the courts delay decision on Pocso cases on time, then conviction is impossible,” said Parameshwara, who was replying to the issue raised by Congress MLC S Ravi. “Despite our police providing the necessary evidence, the court is postponing Pocso cases. Support of the judiciary is very important here.”

Raising objections about granting bail in Pocso cases, Ravi said, “We were of the opinion that bail will not be available in Pocso cases, but some influentials are getting bail even in Pocso cases.”

Ravi also pointed that only six offenders were convicted in rape, sexual harassment and Pocso cases in the last three years.

As per the data submitted by Parameshwara, 357 are under trail in rape cases, 460 for sexual harassment and 297 in Pocso cases.

During the discussion, Congress members took a dig at the BJP-JD(S) combine by referring to the sexual offences registered against their leaders, which led to heated arguments.