88% accused acquitted in POCSO cases:Only 40 convictions in 331 verdicts; alarming trend emerges in Bhopal

In Bhopal, the conviction rate in cases registered under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, enacted to protect children from sexual crimes, is very low. In the last one year, courts pronounced verdicts in 331 POCSO cases, but only in 40 of these cases could the accused be convicted. In the remaining 291 cases, the accused were acquitted. According to police station-wise data, the highest number of cases were related to Kolar police station. Here, verdicts were delivered in 33 cases, but convictions occurred in only 3 cases. In Nishatpura and Habibganj police station areas, 22-22 cases were decided. In Habibganj, only one accused was convicted, while in Nishatpura, convictions were ordered in 4 cases and acquittals in 18. According to experts, in many cases, social pressure, settlements, or later changing statements weaken the cases. In some cases, there is also consent between the boy and the girl, but due to the girl being a minor, a case is registered under POCSO. In many cases, husbands are imprisoned after marriage. Sensitive and meticulous investigation is necessary in such cases. Experts believe… In cases of consensual marriage, relief should be granted based on the girl’s statement after she becomes an adult Minor Sexual Abuse : Kolar-Habibganj leads Case 1. The victim told the court – she went with the accused to escape her family Case 2. Gangrape accused released, stepfather sent to jail, then acquitted Expert View – The court itself can take action on false cases and changing statements In such cases, the court itself can take action. The court has the power to take action in false cases under Section 344 CrPC. Additionally, the court can order the concerned magistrate to take action. Such cases are called perjury. In these, if the case is false or if the victim and witness change their statement, the court takes cognizance and initiates action against them.-Justice (Retd.) Deepak Agarwal, Madhya Pradesh High Court