In a critical address to law enforcement, a senior judicial officer in Hassan has underscored the urgent need for police to deeply understand and proactively implement laws designed to protect children. The call comes against the backdrop of the district's alarming standing in child marriage cases.
Training Focuses on Legal Framework for Child Protection
The directives were issued by BK Dakshayini, a senior civil judge and member secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). She was speaking at a specialised training programme focused on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the POCSO Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act. The event was organised collaboratively by the district administration, zilla panchayat, DLSA, police department, and the child protection unit at the Youth Hostel in the district sports complex.
Judge Dakshayini highlighted a disturbing trend of increasing misuse of children in society. She pointed out that malicious elements exploit the inherent vulnerability and innocence of children, often leading them into situations where their rights are violated through physical and sexual abuse. She stressed that preventing such exploitation must be a top priority for all authorities.
Hassan's Disturbing Rank and Police's Proactive Role
Providing a stark statistic, she revealed that Hassan district ranks fourth in the state for reported child marriage cases, a fact she described as deeply concerning. "Therefore, police officials must work to raise awareness about the crime of child marriage from the beginning," she stated.
She instructed that if such illegal marriages are discovered, immediate legal action must be initiated to prevent the subsequent sexual abuse of the minor girls involved. Emphasising the power vested in the police, she noted that the law allows officers to file suo moto cases (cases on their own motion), a provision that should be used effectively to safeguard children.
Immediate Registration of Cases is Non-Negotiable
Echoing the judge's sentiments, Additional Superintendent of Police Thammaiah emphasised the sensitive nature of cases involving children. He noted that parents experience extreme anxiety when their children face any trouble, making prompt police action crucial.
"Child marriage, POCSO, or any other child-related case should be registered immediately and not delayed," he advised. He further added that cases of missing children must be treated with the utmost seriousness, with swift action taken to locate them. Failure to do so, he warned, could result in children falling victim to abuse and other dangers, causing immense and prolonged stress for families.
The training session was attended by key officials including Madhu Kumari, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, DySP Gangadharappa, district child protection officer Dileep KG, and resource person Kantaraju.
