Madras High Court calls for specialized training for judges handling child abuse cases

The Madras High Court has called for specialized training for judicial officers presiding over special courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy emphasized that judges must approach child victims with empathy and care, suggesting they extend a “motherly hand” to ensure children feel comfortable and do not relive their trauma.

The court recommended that the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy incorporate practical exercises and discussions on interviewing child victims into its curriculum. This training should include the use of field experts and the sharing of experiences from judicial officers with practical expertise in such cases. Additionally, the court suggested that even routine questions, such as asking for a child's name, should be used as rapport-building exercises.

To support this initiative, the court requested that the Tamil Nadu Judicial Academy obtain and translate a manual from the Karnataka Judicial Academy regarding the handling of child witnesses. Justice Chakravarthy also noted that POCSO courts should display notices stating that child survivors should not be recalled under any circumstances, and the Bar should be notified to complete cross-examinations on the same day the witness is called.