Orientation Programme in Jammu Brings Justice Stakeholders Together on Child Protection Law

Jammu: A two day orientation programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 concluded on Sunday at the Convention Centre, Canal Road, Jammu, with a focus on improving child centric justice delivery.

The programme was organised under the patronage of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and Patron in Chief of the J and K Judicial Academy, under the guidance of the Academy’s Governing Committee.

Judicial officers, legal professionals and subject experts deliberated on child sensitive investigation, trial management and victim focused procedures. The discussions drew upon SAMVAD’s training manual and the National Judicial Academy’s modules for Fast Track Special Courts.

In his address, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Judge of the High Court and Member of the Governing Committee of the Judicial Academy, said offences against children constitute serious violations of trust and dignity. He stressed that justice in POCSO cases must be humane, responsive and centred on the best interests of the child at every stage. He also highlighted rehabilitation and compensation as integral to the justice process.

On the second day, Dr K P Singh, IPS, former Director General of Police, Haryana, delivered a session on effective investigation and documentation in POCSO cases. He outlined statutory duties of investigating officers, use of technology, confidentiality safeguards and common lapses that weaken prosecutions.

Another session on trial management in POCSO courts was conducted by Dr Humayun Rasheed Khan, Professor at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal. He spoke on child friendly courtroom practices, recording testimony of child witnesses, the role of Special Courts, recent judicial pronouncements and fast track procedures.

Ms Mandeep Reen, Advocate, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, addressed participants on key provisions of the POSH Act and its interface with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. She emphasised gender mainstreaming, workplace equality, the role of complaints committees and the need to avoid gender stereotypical language, in line with Supreme Court guidelines.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director of the J and K Judicial Academy, who reiterated the Academy’s commitment to strengthening child friendly justice systems. An interactive session followed, during which participants shared field level experiences and challenges.