Odisha to set up 15 fast track courts for exclusive POCSO trials

The State government is taking steps to establish 15 new fast track courts exclusively for the trial of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases at various locations in Odisha.

The POCSO Act, 2012, enacted by the Centre, provides for the establishment of Special Courts to ensure speedy trial.

Responding to a question in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Saturday said that locations for these courts dealing exclusively with POCSO cases had been identified.

With the approval of the Orissa High Court, the State government has taken initiatives to establish new Civil Judge (Junior Division) cum Judicial Magistrate First Class courts at various locations in the State.

Additionally, the High Court has approved the establishment of an Additional District and Sessions Judge Court at Khandapada in Nayagarh district.

According to information placed in the Assembly, from the subordinate courts to the High Court, a total of 18,79,226 cases are pending in Odisha, of which 1,28,019 cases are more than 15 years old. As of July this year, 5,836 civil cases and 4,493 criminal cases were pending in the High Court. In the lower courts, 15,518 civil cases and 1,02,172 criminal cases were pending for adjudication.

Mr. Harichandan said that against the sanctioned strength of 33 judges in the Orissa High Court, 19 judges are in position.