POCSO Act – Pawan Kalyan Calls for Stronger Child Protection and Faster Justice
POCSO Act – Deputy Chief Minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan has urged authorities to strengthen the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, emphasizing that faster investigations, improved victim security, and strict legal oversight are essential to ensure timely justice for children.
Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday addressed separate letters to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, requesting immediate steps to improve the enforcement of the POCSO Act, 2012. In his communication, he highlighted the need for a more effective system that prioritizes the safety and rights of child victims while ensuring that criminal cases are handled without unnecessary delays.
Focus on Faster Investigations and Victim Protection
In his letters, the Deputy Chief Minister proposed several measures aimed at strengthening the legal process in cases involving crimes against children. These included completing investigations within fixed timelines, safeguarding victims and witnesses, preserving evidence more efficiently, and introducing stronger monitoring mechanisms to prevent delays in prosecution.
He stressed that swift and transparent legal action is critical for maintaining public confidence in the justice system. According to him, every stage of the investigation should be handled with sensitivity while ensuring that victims receive the protection they deserve throughout the legal process.
Constitutional Rights and Legal Responsibility
Pawan Kalyan stated that every child is entitled to live with safety, dignity, and freedom from fear, describing these as fundamental constitutional rights. Referring to Articles 21 and 39 of the Constitution of India, he said the government has a responsibility to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
He also pointed to India’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, noting that these international obligations reinforce the importance of strict implementation of child protection laws. He added that Supreme Court directives have consistently emphasized giving priority to POCSO cases so that justice is delivered without avoidable delays.
Concerns Raised Over Religious Institution Case
The Deputy Chief Minister said that his office had received several representations from Muslim religious leaders, members of the community, and devotees regarding the hereditary spiritual head of the Rehmatabad Dargah in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district.
According to the representations, the individual is currently facing legal proceedings under the POCSO Act but continues to perform religious responsibilities. Pawan Kalyan said the matter has raised concerns among those who approached his office and deserves careful attention from the concerned authorities within the framework of the law.
Telangana Incident Highlights Need for Stronger Safeguards
In his appeal, Pawan Kalyan also referred to the multiple murder case reported in Telangana’s Rangareddy district on July 10. He noted that the accused, who had earlier been booked in a POCSO case and was reportedly released on bail, allegedly killed six people, including the minor victim and several members of the victim’s family.
He said the tragic incident demonstrates the urgent need for stronger protection measures for victims and their families, particularly in sensitive cases involving children. Strengthening security arrangements and closely monitoring accused persons facing serious charges, he added, could help reduce the risk of further violence while legal proceedings are underway.