The Rajasthan HC recently issued notice on a public interest litigation towards the formation of a committee to oversee the condition of Special Courts formed under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences act, 2012 (POCSO).

The issued this notice in response to a PIL requesting that sex education must be mandatorily provided in all schools and Anganwadi setups of the state. Education and awareness about what constitutes ill-meaning and ill-intended advances of a sexual nature is an important step in eradicating the menace of sexual offenses against oblivious and impressionable minors.

The petitioner, Kunal Rawat also sought the speedy disposal of POSCO cases and prayed the court to provide directives for the prompt recording of statements, examinations, and cross-examinations of victims preferably within a day.

The plea also requests the creation of child-friendly spaces in the courts so as to make underage victims feel safe and comfortable and ensure that the accused is kept away from the vicinity of the victim. The petition further impresses that, during cross-examination, a parent or trusted guardian should be allowed to be present with the victim, and the victim should not be requested to the court repeatedly as it would add to the child’s trauma.