First child friendly court in Karnataka!

A courtroom exclusively for child victims has been made in Karnataka for the first time. The courtroom is designed in two halls with a glass separator thereby preventing the child to see the accused. This is to make the child comfortable so that he is not frightened by the presence or sight of the accused. The first such court was inaugurated on Saturday at the City Civil Court premises near Mysore Bank circle. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) states that during trails every right and dignity of the child but be ensured and not violated in any way. The trial must be speedy in a child-friendly and peaceful nonfrightening environment. There is also a video conferencing facility provided by the court so that if the child doesn’t find it comfortable to visit the courtroom he can interact via the waiting room through video. Also, the family of the child can witness the proceedings in the courtroom from the waiting room itself with the help of video conferencing facility. Moreover, there is an exclusive elevator for judges, victim children and his family. Also, there are toys and story books for children both in the courtroom and waiting room.