India

Allahabad HC Emphasizes Need For Legal Aid For Child Victims Of Sexual Abuse

The Allahabad High Court has highlighted the urgent need for a robust legal aid system to support child victims of sexual abuse under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Justice Ajay Bhanot underscored that these vulnerable individuals face numerous challenges, including mental trauma, social marginalization, and limited resources, which impede their access to justice.

This statement was made while the court denied bail to Rajendra Prasad, a father accused of trafficking his 14-year-old daughter. Prasad has been in custody since November 4, 2022, with the case filed at the Chaubepur Police Station in Varanasi.

Also Read: Yogi Government Forms Action Plan For ‘Safe Bathing’ During Maha Kumbh 2025

Justice Bhanot emphasized the necessity of statutory support systems, such as legal aid, medical care, and counseling, to empower child victims to navigate the legal process effectively. “In the absence of support systems guaranteed by law, child victims of sexual offences under the POCSO Act cannot pursue their cases effectively,” he stated.

The judge noted that empowering these victims is essential to overcoming barriers to justice and fulfilling the legislative intent of the POCSO Act.

During the proceedings, the court observed that the authorities had not informed the victim of her rights to a support person or legal counsel. Consequently, the court outlined the responsibilities of various authorities, including the police, child welfare committees, and the District Legal Services Authority, to ensure that victims receive the entitlements they deserve.

The High Court directed officials to send a copy of its order to the Director General of Police, the Additional Director General of Prosecution, and the Women and Child Development Department in Lucknow to ensure compliance and enhance support for child victims of sexual abuse.

Vishal Talwar

Recent Posts

JP Nadda Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Match-Fixing’ Claims As ‘Desperation Of Losing’ Polls

Rahul Gandhi's opinion piece appeared in a national daily and sparked political uproar. Opposition parties…

7 hours ago

Poverty In India Reduced Via Tangible Boost In Household Living Standards, Incomes

In 2022–23, poverty under the revised $3.00 line stood at just 5.25 per cent in…

7 hours ago

Chhattisgarh: Seven Maoists Killed In Indravati National Park Operation

Five Maoists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district,…

8 hours ago

Carney Invites Modi To G7 Summit, Highlights India’s Global Supply Chain Role

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the most populous country, with the fifth-largest economy, must…

8 hours ago

RBI Frontloads Rate Cuts To Boost Growth Amid Low Inflation: Crisil

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has frontloaded its rate cuts to support economic growth,…

9 hours ago

PM Modi Urges Global Action On Coastal Resilience At Nice Summit

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for urgent global action to build infrastructure that can…

9 hours ago