Ensure special rights for POCSO victims: Panel
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police officials should ensure that the victims of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) get the special rights under the legislation, the State Child Rights Protection Commission has ordered. An order issued by the Commission Division Bench comprising chairperson Sobha Koshy and member K Nazeer, directed the State Police Chief to issue a circular in this regard. In a crucial directive, the Child Rights Commission directed the police to take necessary steps to provide POCSO victims the special rights. Police should inform the victims that they have the right to get support from government and private establishments during the time of crisis.
They should be given sufficient info about the criminal prosecution aspect and other related matters of investigation without affecting the progress of investigation. Also police have the responsibility to inform them about compensation under the victim compensation scheme and provide necessary support to file petition in this regard. If the culprit has been nabbed, the victims should be informed. Similarly, the victim should be alerted once the culprit has been given bail or remanded to custody.
Other related information, including filing of chargesheet before the court and starting of hearing proceedings in the court, should be informed to the victims of their parents. Once the hearing is completed, they should be provided information about the court verdict and details of punishment given. In addition to this, any info that will not affect the prosecution’s smooth functioning can be provided.