The Delhi High Court has directed the Commissioner of Delhi Police to take appropriate steps to decide a plea seeking the setting up of dedicated POCSO investigation teams in every police district of the national capital.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation concerning delays in the investigation of POCSO Act offences.

The counsel appearing for the petitioner- Zuber Ali, contended that Section 35 of the POCSO Act provides that evidence of a child victim should be recorded within 30 days of the Special Court taking cognizance of the offence, while the trial should, as far as possible, be completed within one year from the date of cognizance.

He also said that Section 193(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) mandates that investigation in specified POCSO offences under Sections 4, 6, 8 and 10 be completed within two months from the date on which the information is recorded by the officer in charge of the police station.

It was also submitted that there were numerous instances where investigating agencies had failed to complete investigations within the statutory period.

It was argued that dedicated POCSO investigation teams should consequently be constituted in every police district of Delhi.

Ali had submitted a representation dated September p5 to the Commissioner of Police raising the issue and suggesting measures for ensuring timely investigation of POCSO cases.

Appearing for the authorities, the counsel, on instructions, informed the Court that the representation was being attended to and that necessary consultation and other processes were underway.

Accordingly, the Bench observed that Delhi Police was already cognizant of the grievances raised in the representation and directed the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate steps after considering the suggestions made by Ali.

“…we dispose of the present Petition with a direction to the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate steps taking into account the suggestions mentioned therein by the Petitioner,” the Court said.

Ir directed that the decision be taken within three months and requested counsel appearing for Delhi Police to communicate the order to the Commissioner of Police forthwith.