The bench further directed that the affidavit filed by the registry should indicate the courts trying Pocso cases that do not conform to the guidelines
Based on the submissions made by the petitioners, the court directed the director general of prosecution to file an affidavit regarding the appointment and training of public prosecutors for Pocso courts and adjourned the PIL to Oct 14. Kochi : The high court has sought a detailed affidavit from the registrar of the district judiciary regarding the number of additional courts required for trying Pocso cases in the state. A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar issued the directive while considering a PIL filed by the District Court Bar Association, Thodupuzha-Muttom, highlighting the need for adequate facilities in Pocso special courts in Keralam. the bench observed that during its visits to the district courts, it was found that most Pocso courts did not conform to the guidelines specified under the Pocso Act and that the facilities were also inadequate While considering the PIL. The petitioners further pointed out that the appointment of exclusive public prosecutors for Pocso courts is mandatory and alleged that the state had failed to fulfil this obligation. They also referred to Supreme Court decision which requested the Chief Justices of all high courts to ensure that special programmes are developed at the state judicial academies to impart training to special public prosecutors attached to Pocso courts not only in law but also in child psychology, child behaviour and health issues.