The Delhi police today informed Delhi High Court they lodged 5,217 cases of sexual offences perpetrated on children between 2012 and 2015.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath was informed that around 3,191 cases registered between 2012 and 2015 under the POCSO Act are pending trial in various courts of the national capital.
"During the years from 2012 to 2015, a total number of 5,217 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012. Out of these 5,217 cases, untraced/cancellation reports were filed in 252. A total number of 575 cases are still pending investigation for the period over three months.
"It is further submitted that the information required by this court regarding pending trial has been obtained from the Director of Prosecution, Delhi government... A total number of 3191 cases, registered from the year 2012 to 2015 under POCSO are pending trial in various courts," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Legal Cell, said in a status report filed through advocate Gautam Narayan.
The Delhi police was replying to a court notice issued to it on a plea by NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) seeking time-bound trial and disposal of cases related to sexual abuse of children.
The NGO, which was represented by senior advocate H S Phoolka, stated that not only does the CrPC, but the Constitution also "envisages a citizen's fundamental right to a fast and a speedy trial".
It also stated that "despite the introduction of POCSO Act, there has been an incessant delay in investigation, trial and adjudication of cases in courts in Delhi".
The NGO has sought direction to police "to adhere to a time-bound investigation within three months" in cases of sexual offences, rape or sexual assault on children.
It has said a direction should be given to subordinate courts to complete the trial in a time-bound manner.
