Madras: The Madras high court POCSO courts report has become the latest focus in Tamil Nadu’s justice system. The Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government and the high court registry to submit a district-wise report on how POCSO courts are functioning across Tamil Nadu, including pending cases, judge vacancies, court infrastructure and the need for more courts.
The direction is important because POCSO courts handle cases involving child sexual abuse, and delays in these trials can deeply affect survivors and their families. The High Court wants clear district-level data before taking the next step.
Details of Madras High Court POCSO Courts Report
The Madras High Court directed Tamil Nadu authorities to file detailed reports on the functioning of courts dealing with cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act). The order was passed by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan.
The Bench asked for a district-wise report covering:
- Total number of pending POCSO cases in each district
- Number of POCSO courts currently functioning
- Courts where presiding officers/judges are yet to be posted
- Number of new courts required
- Infrastructure needed for speedy disposal of cases
The matter is scheduled to be heard again on July 7.
Madras High Court POCSO Courts Report: Why did the Court pass this order
The order came in a writ petition filed by a sexual assault survivor. The plea sought directions for speedy trials in rape, sexual offence and POCSO cases across Tamil Nadu.
The case also raised concern over trial delays in a serious sexual assault matter from Tiruvannamalai, where the petitioner told the Court that even after the case was taken on file in December 2025, the trial had not started.
Earlier, another Bench of the Madras High Court had already passed urgent directions in the same matter and questioned why the trial had not moved quickly. It also made clear that a pending revision petition should not automatically stall the trial.
What exactly has the High Court asked for?
District-wise details sought by the Court
| Issue | What the Court wants to know |
| Pending cases | Total number of POCSO cases pending in every district |
| Existing courts | How many POCSO courts are currently functioning |
| Judge vacancies | Where presiding officers still need to be posted |
| New court requirement | How many more courts are needed |
| Infrastructure gaps | What facilities are required for quick disposal of cases |
What is the POCSO Act
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) is a special law meant to protect children from:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Use of children for pornography
- Aggravated sexual offences
The law also aims to ensure child-friendly investigation and trial procedures so that survivors are not further traumatised during the legal process.
What to watch next
The next hearing on July 7 will be important. The key issue will be whether the State and the High Court Registry file a detailed, district-level factual report or only a broad administrative response.
Read also: Justice GR Swaminathan Controversy: Supreme Court Seeks Tamil Nadu Government’s Reply on PIL
