Karnataka High Court slammed the “culture of repeated adjournments” after noting that a 2014 case involving the sexual assault of a six‑year‑old schoolgirl remains pending for more than a decade. The bench described the procrastination as “deeply disquieting,” emphasizing that justice delayed translates into continued injustice for the child.

Legal Framework

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 mandates that trials be concluded within a year of taking cognisance, precisely to shield victims from the corrosive effects of prolonged litigation. Despite this statutory ceiling, many fast‑track courts have fallen into a pattern of endless adjournments, undermining the very spirit of the law.

High Court’s Directive

Justice M. Nagaprasanna, while disposing of a 2024 petition filed by the victim’s father, clarified that the POCSO Act does not require Section 164 statements to bear the signatures of the child or the magistrate. He then ordered the Bengaluru Rural Fast‑Track Special Court (FTSC‑II) to finish the trial within eight weeks, underscoring the urgency.

Consequences of Adjournment Culture

“Every adjournment granted without a compelling justification not only postpones a hearing; it prolongs the trauma of a child who entered the criminal justice system as a victim and has remained captive to it for over ten years,” the court observed. The judgment stresses that such delays are not mere procedural lapses but constitute a continuing violation of the child’s right to timely justice.

Looking Ahead

The High Court’s admonition serves as a warning to all lower courts: adherence to statutory timelines is non‑negotiable. Failure to act will invite scrutiny and potential accountability measures. Swift, transparent proceedings will restore public confidence and, more importantly, allow the victim to resume a normal life without the shadow of an endless trial.