Karnataka High Court Slams Adjournment Culture Amid 12-Year Delay in POCSO Case

The Karnataka High Court has raised serious concerns about the prevalent culture of frequent adjournments in criminal trials, particularly highlighting a disconcerting case that has lingered for over a decade. The case in question involves the alleged sexual assault of a six-year-old girl at a Bengaluru school in 2014, which remains unresolved twelve years later. This situation has prompted Justice M Nagaprasanna to call the delay ‘shocking’ and indicative of systemic failures within the judicial process.

In a recent ruling dated July 3, Justice Nagaprasanna pointed out that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) mandates that trials must be concluded within a year after the court acknowledges the offense. The judge expressed deep concern over the emotional toll on the young victim, emphasizing that forcing her to revisit her trauma repeatedly is an injustice perpetuated by the ‘culture of adjournments’ that has overshadowed the legal system.

The court further stated, “Every unnecessary adjournment compounds the original injury and converts the process itself into an instrument of oppression.” This critical observation underlines the negative implications of delays in justice, which can often lead to a miscarriage of justice, as articulated by the Supreme Court in previous judgments. The apex court has consistently warned that such practices undermine the integrity of the judicial system.

In light of the prolonged delay, the Karnataka High Court has mandated that a special court expedite the trial, instructing it to conclude proceedings within eight weeks. This directive aims to ensure that justice is not only served but is also timely, particularly in cases involving minors who are among the most vulnerable in society.

The case has generated significant public interest and concern, prompting discussions on the need for reform within the legal framework to address the alarming frequency of adjournments. Legal experts and child rights advocates have echoed the court’s sentiments, calling for stricter adherence to timelines in sensitive cases, especially those involving children. The issues raised by the Karnataka High Court reflect broader systemic challenges faced by the Indian judiciary, where delays can often detract from the pursuit of justice.

Source: scroll.in