'Dist advocates not representing Pocso cases'

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was a need for senior advocates to provide technical advice to district advocates for speedy disposal of cases registered under the Protection of Children for Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

The minister held a meeting with special public prosecutors of all districts, appointed under the Pocso Act.

Parameshwara said the district advocates weren’t representing Pocso cases effectively. Hence, it was necessary for these lawyers to be trained by senior advocates and judges.

Expressing regret over the high percentage of pending cases, the minister said this had not only resulted in the accused becoming less fearful of the law, but also in a surge in such cases.

Parameshwara also sought to know if the cases were being delayed owing to delay in collection of evidence by the police. Noting that no cases must be kept pending owing to minor reasons, the Home minister said non-cooperation by the police should be brought to the notice of the DG&IGP.

He directed the prosecutors to review the pending cases within 15 days and then take up fresh cases for review. DG&IGP Neelamani, additional chief secretary Rajneesh Goel and others were present.