Bengaluru: Taking cognizance of a report on poor conviction rate in cases of sexual offences against children in Karnataka, published in Deccan Chronicle on August 19, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwar convened a meeting of district prosecutors to discuss the issue.
In the meeting, Dr Parameshwar suggested the district prosecutors to meet with and learn from senior judges and lawyers on the progress of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO).
The Deputy CM also instructed the prosecutors to ensure the cases are effectively fought in the courts and also ensure delivery of justice.
“Cases of crimes against children should be disposed of quickly to bring about deterrence. I met with our district prosecutors, police officials and home department officials to emphasize the need to fight increasing crimes against children,” Dr Parameshwara tweeted.
DC in its issue published on August 19 carried a report which exposed the sorry state of affairs in Karnataka courts with zero convictions in 1,023 POCSO cases reported in 2018. It also exposed the pendency rate of trials in POCSO cases in Bengaluru, which is nearly 80 percent since 2012.
In Bengaluru alone, out of 1,600 cases reported since 2012, only 67 ended up in convictions, while 1,157 cases are pending trial and 96 cases are still under investigation, it was reported.
