POCSO Act: Rajasthan High Court Issues Notice On PIL For Compulsory Sex Education In Schools, Committee To Check Special Courts

The public interest litigation filed by one Kunal Rawat also prays that education drive about sexual health be compulsorily imparted in schools and aganwadis across the state in order to curb the problem of the sexual offences against minors.

The petitioner also seeks directions for speedy disposal of POCSO cases in Rajasthan— directions to conclude recording of evidence i.e. examination-in-chief and cross-examination of the victim, as expeditiously as possible, preferably on the same day, unless adjournment is warranted.

Further, the plea prays for direction to ensure child friendly practices are adopted in Courts to ensure that the child/ victim feels safe, is comfortable, and that the child/ victim is not in any way exposed to the accused. In addition to this, the plea prays for direction to ensure the presence of parents or any other person in whom the child has trust or confidence, at the time of examination of the child.

A direction to ensure that the deposition of the child/ victim is recorded expeditiously, has been sought in the plea. The plea also seeks direction to ensure that the victim/child is not called frequently to the court, as this would add to victim/child's trauma.

The counsel for the petitioner include Radhika Maharwal, Dhriti Sharma and Aradhna Swami while the counsel for the respondents include AAG Ganesh Meena with Saurabh Sharma and Rahul Sehra. The petitioner also appeared in-person before the court.

Case Title: Kunal Rawat v. State of Rajasthan & Ors.

Case No.: D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9941/2022