GANGTOK, OCT 1: The High Court of Sikkim has sought a response from the State Government on whether authorities are properly informing children who are victims of sexual offences—and their parents or guardians—about the progress and outcome of their cases.
The issue came before the High Court in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a lawyer practising in the Court. The petition raises questions over compliance with the “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Rules, 2020”, particularly provisions requiring authorities to keep victims informed about important developments in their cases.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan heard the matter on September 30.
The Court noted that Rule 4(13) of the POCSO Rules requires the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police to provide the victim with information about the case, including information relating to the arrest of the accused and other applications.
The Court also drew attention to Rule 4(15)(ix), which provides for information regarding the verdict after the trial.
In simple terms, the issue before the Court is whether a child victim and, where applicable, the child's parents or guardian are actually being kept informed about what is happening in the case—from significant developments during the proceedings to the final verdict.
The Court observed that Rule 4(15) also contains provisions intended to ensure that the child and the child's parents or guardian are informed about matters covered by the Rule.
After hearing the petitioner's counsel, the Bench admitted the PIL and issued notice.
The Additional Advocate General appearing for the State accepted notice on behalf of the official respondents and waived formal service.
The Court has also directed the Additional Advocate General to take instructions from the State Government regarding compliance with the POCSO Rules.
The Sikkim State Legal Services Authority has also been arrayed as a respondent. The petitioner has been directed to complete the necessary formalities for issuance of notice to the Authority.
The matter has now been listed for November 3, 2026.
अनलाइन् खबर पत्रिका तथ्य जाँच र आचारसंहिता प्रतिवेदन:
यो सामग्री हाम्रा सम्पादक टोलीद्वारा तथ्य प्रमाणीकरण र प्रेस काउन्सिल अफ इन्डिया आचारसंहिता बमोजिम प्रकाशित गरिएको हो।
