HC bats for trauma-sensitive implementation of Pocso Act

Madurai: Madras high court has directed the state to consider framing and formulating a coordinated state-wide sensitisation programme titled ‘Singapen Sensitisation Workshop’ for officials on trauma-sensitive implementation of Pocso Act, child psychology and emotional wellbeing. Justice L Victoria Gowri said the true success of child protection jurisprudence will not be measured solely by conviction statistics, but when children emerging from the justice system feel protected, heard, reassured, rehabilitated, and emotionally safe

The workshops shall focus on responsible handling of child victims, prevention of misuse of Pocso provisions, sensitivity during recording of statements, ethical child interviewing techniques, and awareness regarding Section 22 of Pocso Act. They shall be conducted in phased manner for all female police officers in the state from the cadre of SP and below, regional psychologists attached to department of child welfare and special services; all district social welfare officers; protection officers appointed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act; and all district-level chairpersons and members of child welfare committees. The authorities shall consider formulating a coordinated sensitisation and training programme for stakeholders involved in implementation of Pocso Act. IG, Singapen Special Striking Force and secretary, directorate of social welfare, shall jointly coordinate implementation of the training programme, the court said.

The judge said implementation of Pocso Act requires collective constitutional participation from every stakeholder. The court was hearing four petitions filed by people seeking to quash criminal proceedings initiated against them under Pocso Act. Taking note of the fact that the four cases were falsely initiated, the judge observed that unfortunately, despite the legislative framework, widespread public awareness regarding implications of false Pocso complaints continues to remain inadequate. False Pocso cases, apart from harming the accused, consume enormous judicial time and investigative resources which ought to be devoted towards genuine child victims.

A child compelled to repeatedly narrate a false sexual narrative at the instance of adults may also suffer emotional confusion, social fear, shame and psychological burden. The investigating machinery must therefore display the highest degree of sensitivity before registering allegations under Pocso Act, the judge said.