SC asks HCs to give details on setting up of children's courts

The Supreme Court today directed all High Courts in the country to give details on whether special courts to ensure speedy trial of offences against children have been set up in each district.

The court considered Section 25 and 26 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 which provide that there has to be a children's court for speedy trial of offences against them and the cases of child rights' abuses, besides appointment of public prosecutors to deal with them.

"Keeping in view the provisions, it is directed that the Registrar Generals of the High Courts would submit a report as regards Sections 25 and 26 of the Act. After receipt of the report, the issue shall be addressed.

"The Registry of this court is directed to forward the earlier order and the present order to the Registrars General of the High Courts with the stipulation that the reports shall be submitted within two weeks from the date of receipt of the orders," a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.

The court also made it clear that the pendency of the case before it shall not be construed "as any kind of impediment for establishment of courts and appointment of Special Public Prosecutors if steps in that direction have already been taken."