A Special Court For Children In Hyderabad

The Hyderabad high court has accepted the proposal for setting up a special child-friendly court for offences to be tried under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the "Bharosa" centre which is the city police’s support centre for women and children. According to a senior police official, the children's court will try cases of sexual offences against the minors. They are hopeful that the court will conduct speedy trials to ensure justice to the children.  Additional Commissioner of Police (crimes and SIT) Swati Lakra said the court will follow child-friendly practices. No stone will be left unturned and all required facilities will be put in place to make the child feel comfortable and at ease to speak to the judge and advocates. Lakra said that the special court for children will not only conduct speedy trials but also reduce re-victimization of the victims. She added that the court will be set up as per the guidelines provided in the POCSO Act. "Bharosa" was set up on May 7, 2016, in order to provide support to the victims of cases of violence like rape, serious cases of domestic violence and child sexual abuse. According to police, post its launch, the centre has dealt with more than 2,900 cases pertaining to various offences.