A special POCSO court in Uttar Pradesh has taken stern action in a disturbing case involving an 11-year-old girl, directing the filing of an FIR against a security guard while simultaneously highlighting serious lapses in the police investigation.
Court Exposes Police Failures in Minor Protection Case
The case came to light when the parents of the 11-year-old victim filed a complaint alleging that a security guard had molested their daughter. However, instead of taking immediate action, the local police station displayed what the court later described as significant investigative failures and procedural lapses.
According to court documents examined on Monday, November 25, 2024, the special judge presiding over the case noted that the police had failed to register an FIR promptly despite the serious nature of the allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Judicial Intervention Brings Justice for Young Victim
The court's intervention proved crucial in ensuring that justice would be pursued. The special POCSO judge explicitly ordered the registration of an FIR against the accused security guard and directed the police to conduct a proper investigation into the matter.
In a significant move, the court also flagged the initial police response as inadequate and emphasized the need for strict adherence to POCSO Act protocols when dealing with cases involving minor victims. The judge underscored that any delay or negligence in such sensitive matters could compromise both the investigation and the victim's access to justice.
Broader Implications for Child Protection Mechanisms
This case has brought to focus the ongoing challenges in implementing child protection laws effectively at the ground level. The court's observations about police lapses serve as an important reminder about the need for better training and sensitization of law enforcement agencies when handling cases under the POCSO Act.
The incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh, where authorities are now mandated to follow the court's directives in investigating the molestation allegations against the security guard. The case continues to develop as the police begin their formal investigation following the court order.
Legal experts have noted that such judicial interventions are crucial in ensuring that procedural delays don't deny justice to vulnerable victims, particularly children who rely on the system for protection against sexual offenses.
