Indian High Courts issue rulings on POCSO Act bail procedures

Indian High Courts have issued significant rulings regarding bail applications in cases involving the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The Delhi High Court granted regular bail to a 20-year-old man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Justice Mini Pushkarna noted that the two had been in a romantic relationship prior to the incident, citing evidence such as social media posts. The court also highlighted the victim's inconsistent statements and the fact that the applicant had spent over three years in custody while the trial remained in the prosecution evidence stage.

Separately, the Rajasthan High Court criticized the “lethargic attitude” of authorities regarding the service of bail notices to victims' guardians. Justice Sandeep Shah observed that improper notification processes have caused delays in adjudication, thereby affecting the personal liberty of the accused. The court directed state law officials and the Director General of Police to ensure that all police stations and prosecutors follow prescribed guidelines for issuing timely and detailed notices.