Madras High Court Issues Directions To State, Judiciary For Speedy Trial Of Rape & POCSO Cases
It may be noted that as per the proviso to Section 346 of the BNSS, when the enquiry or trial relates to an offence under Section 64 [punishment for rape], 65 [punishment for rape in certain cases], 66 [punishment for causing death or persistent vegetative state of victim], 67 [sexual intercourse by husband upon wife during separation], 68 [sexual intercourse by person in authority], 70 [gang rape], or 71 [punishment for repeat offenders] of the BNS, the inquiry or trial should be completed within a period of two months from the date of filing of the chargesheet. As per Section 35 of the POCSO Act, the evidence of the child victim should be recorded within 30 days of cognisance and the trial should be concluded, as far as possible, within 1 year therefrom.
Explanation in simple terms: The Madras High Court (a top court in India) has ordered the government and courts in Tamil Nadu to speed up trials for rape and child abuse cases. This means these serious cases should be heard and decided faster than normal court procedures. The court wants to ensure victims get justice quickly instead of waiting years for a verdict.