The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to consider framing and formulating a coordinated state-wide sensitisation programme titled 'Singapen Sensitisation Workshop' for officials on trauma-sensitive implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, child psychology, and emotional wellbeing.
Court's Directive on Child Protection
Justice L Victoria Gowri emphasised that the true success of child protection jurisprudence will not be measured solely by conviction statistics, but when children emerging from the justice system feel protected, heard, reassured, rehabilitated, and emotionally safe. The workshops shall focus on responsible handling of child victims, prevention of misuse of Pocso provisions, sensitivity during recording of statements, ethical child interviewing techniques, and awareness regarding Section 22 of the Pocso Act.
Phased Implementation for Officials
The workshops shall be conducted in a phased manner for all female police officers in the state from the cadre of Superintendent of Police (SP) and below, regional psychologists attached to the department of child welfare and special services, all district social welfare officers, protection officers appointed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and all district-level chairpersons and members of child welfare committees. The authorities shall consider formulating a coordinated sensitisation and training programme for stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Pocso Act. The Inspector General of Police, Singapen Special Striking Force, and the Secretary of the Directorate of Social Welfare shall jointly coordinate the implementation of the training programme, the court said.
Concerns Over False Complaints
The judge noted that the implementation of the Pocso Act requires collective constitutional participation from every stakeholder. The court was hearing four petitions filed by people seeking to quash criminal proceedings initiated against them under the Pocso Act. Taking note of the fact that the four cases were falsely initiated, the judge observed that unfortunately, despite the legislative framework, widespread public awareness regarding the implications of false Pocso complaints continues to remain inadequate. False Pocso cases, apart from harming the accused, consume enormous judicial time and investigative resources which ought to be devoted towards genuine child victims.
Impact on Children
A child compelled to repeatedly narrate a false sexual narrative at the instance of adults may also suffer emotional confusion, social fear, shame, and psychological burden. The investigating machinery must therefore display the highest degree of sensitivity before registering allegations under the Pocso Act, the judge said.
