Meghalaya is facing a significant backlog of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with 1,747 cases still pending as of 2024, according to a report by Northeast News. Despite the resolution and closure of 894 cases, the backlog remains a critical issue for the state’s judicial system.
To address the backlog, Meghalaya has established six POCSO Special Courts: two in East Khasi Hills, and one each in West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and West Garo Hills. However, these courts are encountering substantial challenges. Judicial magistrates are burdened with a heavy workload, as they are tasked with handling a broad range of legal cases in addition to POCSO cases.
Frequent cancellations of hearings due to the non-appearance of the accused, survivors, or witnesses have exacerbated delays. These cancellations are a major factor in the prolonged resolution of POCSO cases.
In addition to the POCSO case backlog, Meghalaya’s Juvenile Justice Boards are struggling with 280 pending cases involving children in conflict with the law as of June 2024. The existing judicial infrastructure and procedural complexities, such as the need for psychological assessments and social investigations, have further impeded the legal process.
The state’s three observation homes for these children, dispersed across various districts, pose logistical challenges for Principal Magistrates and Juvenile Justice Board members. The need for magistrates and board members to travel from different districts to these observation homes for hearings hampers the regular conduct and timely disposal of cases.
The persistent backlog and procedural delays highlight the urgent need for enhanced judicial support and streamlined processes to ensure timely justice for affected children and families in Meghalaya.