SC directs HCs to fast-track child rape cases

New Delhi: To fast-track child rape cases, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a slew of directives to all the High Courts.The apex court three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud passed a slew of directions after hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, Alakh Alok Srivastava, seeking stricter punishment and expeditious hearing of all the cases related to POCSO Act and children victims involving the age group of 1-12 years.

The top court has directed all High Courts to constitute a committee to monitor & regulate POCSO Act cases.The apex court also directed the DG Police of each state to constitute a STF (Special Task Force) to ensure that the investigation with respect to POCSO cases should be probed expeditiously.The victims must be ensured safety when going to court or any legal procedure, the apex court said and disposed off the petition filed by Srivastava.(UNI)