JAMMU: The 2-day orientation programme on “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences” (POCSO) Act, 2012, with reference to SAMVAD’s Training Manual on “Essential Interventions and Skills for Working with Child Sexual Abuse – Introducing Mental Health and Legal Dimensions of Forensics” and the National Judicial Academy’s Training Module for Fast Track Special Courts, concluded today at the Convention Centre, Canal Road, Jammu.
The orientation programme was organised under the patronage of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh(Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy), Arun Palli and guidance of Chairperson and members of Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Member, Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy) in his special address, emphasized that an offence against a child is not merely a criminal act but a grave violation of trust and dignity. He stressed that justice in such cases must be humane, responsive and child-centric and that courtrooms should become spaces of trust, safety and the last hope of justice for child victims.
Justice Wani observed that the POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to transform the manner in which child victims are treated by the justice system, with the best interests and dignity of the child remaining paramount at all stages. He further noted that rehabilitation and compensation are integral aspects of justice under the Act, concluding that every POCSO case is a test of sensitivity and every child a measure of our commitment to justice.
On day 2, the first technical session on “Effective Investigation & Documentation in POCSO Cases” was delivered by Dr. K.P. Singh, Former Director General of Police, Haryana. He shared best practices in police investigation, duties of Investigating Officers under Sections 24 and 25 of the POCSO Act, proper documentation, use of technology and the importance of confidentiality, while highlighting common investigative lapses that lead to acquittals.
The second session on “Trial Management in POCSO Courts – Challenges, Sensitivity & Case Law” was conducted by Dr. Humayun Rasheed Khan, Professor, National Judicial Academy, Bhopal. The session focused on child-friendly courtroom procedures, managing testimony of child witnesses, the role of Special Courts, recent judgments of the Supreme Court and High Courts, protection of vulnerable witnesses, and fast-track procedures as envisaged under the National Judicial Academy’s training modules.
The third session was addressed by Mandeep Reen, Advocate, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, on “Important Provisions of the POSH Act and Rules” and the interplay between the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. She emphasised gender mainstreaming, workplace equality, the role of Internal and Local Complaints Committees, and the prohibition of gender-stereotypical language, with reference to the handbook issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, who expressed gratitude to the Judges, resource persons and participants for their valuable contributions. He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment towards strengthening child-friendly justice delivery systems.
An interactive session followed, during which participants shared their experiences, challenges and feedback, enriching the deliberations with practical insights from the field.
