Shillong, Sept 1: A total of 1,747 POCSO cases are pending in various districts of Meghalaya since inception upto June 2024.

This was informed by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh in a reply tabled in the just concluded five-day autumn session of the Assembly.

Highlighting the various reasons for their pendency, Lyngdoh said there are six POCSO special courts in the state which are exclusively handling POCSO cases viz 2 in East Khasi Hills, 1 each in West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Garo Hills.

The judicial magistrates are also handling other court cases apart from the POCSO cases in their respective district courts.

Cancellation of hearing due to non-appearance by accused, survivors, witness causes delay in completion of the trial.

He also cited the non-appearance by parties concerned due to various factors like sickness, exams and other factors only prolongs the trial besides due diligence by the courts in ensuring fair trials to all parties concerns.

The minister further informed that over 894 POCSO cases were resolved and closed till June 2024.

According to him, there are 280 cases pending before the Juvenile Justice Boards as on quarter ending June, 2024. With effect from April 2024 to June 2024.

On the reasons for their pendency, Lyngdoh said that the rising number of cases involving offences committed by children in conflict with law often overwhelms the existing systems. The spike in cases can lead to backlogs as the JJBs struggle to manage the increased workload in a timely manner.

The procedural framework surrounding cases related to CCLs often leads to delays. Legal requirements and frequent adjournments can prolong the legal process. The frequent need for psychological assessments and social investigations can also contribute to delays.

There are three observation homes in the state which look after children in conflict with law viz one observation home, boy and one observation home, girls in East Khasi Hills and one observation home, boy in West Garo Hills.

The principal magistrates and JJB members from other districts have to travel to these observation homes for production and hearing, which poses a challenge to conduct regular hearings and disposal of cases.

The principal magistrate does not handle cases related only to children in conflict with law but also deal with other cases in the district court.

Also Read: 39th Meghalaya Badminton Championship | West Garo Hills bag 4 Medals, Sixbirth M. Marak wins Gold

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