The Odisha government has initiated the process to establish 15 new POCSO courts across the state, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced in the Assembly today.
While replying to a query from Baliguda BJD MLA Chakramani Kanhar, Harichandan said, “Altogether 15 new POCSO courts will be established in Odisha. The state government has initiated the process in this regard.”
The new courts will function in Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Berhampur, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Phulbani, Puri, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Malkangiri, and Sonepur. Moreover, these courts will strengthen the judicial infrastructure for child protection.
POCSO courts operate under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. They ensure the speedy trial of cases involving the sexual abuse of children. In addition, they handle offences related to assault, harassment, and child pornography.
The Act mandates that trials must conclude within one year of the court taking cognisance of the offence. Consequently, the expansion of POCSO courts will improve access to justice, reduce delays, and reinforce mechanisms to safeguard children from sexual offences.
