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New Delhi, October 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi High Court has directed the Commissioner of Police to consider setting up dedicated investigation teams for cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act in every police district of the national capital to ensure timely completion of probes.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning delays in the investigation of POCSO cases.
During the hearing, petitioner Zuber Ali highlighted statutory timelines under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and sought dedicated POCSO Investigation Teams in every Delhi police district.
The court was informed that Section 35 of the POCSO Act requires the evidence of a child victim to be recorded within 30 days of the Special Court taking cognizance of an offence. The trial is also required, as far as possible, to be completed within one year.
The petitioner further referred to Section 193(2) of the BNSS, under which investigations into specified POCSO offenses are required to be completed within two months from the registration of the FIR by the officer in charge of the police station.
It was submitted that there have been several instances in which investigations were not completed within the statutory timeframe.
Ali had earlier submitted a representation to the Commissioner of Police on September 5, raising the issue and seeking measures to ensure timely investigation.
Counsel representing Delhi Police informed the court, on instructions, that the representation was being considered and that necessary consultations and other processes were underway.
Taking note of the response, the Bench said Delhi Police was already aware of the concerns raised in the representation. It directed the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate steps while considering the suggestions made by the petitioner.
The court ordered that a decision be taken within three months and directed Delhi Police counsel to communicate the order to the Commissioner of Police forthwith.