Pre-trial meetings must for speedy disposal of Pocso cases, says judge at seminar for lawyers

MADRAS High Court Justice RN Manjula emphasised the importance of conducting pre-trial meetings in Pocso cases to ensure swift progress in trials. She was speaking at a seminar on the Pocso Act for prosecutors in Tamil Nadu, organised by Tulir Centre for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse in collaboration with the Directorate of Prosecution.

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Special public prosecutors (SPPs) of Pocso courts, additional Pocso courts, mahila courts, and Juvenile Justice Boards, apart from deputy and assistant directors of prosecution across the state attended the seminar. When she inquired whether such meetings between judges, public prosecutors, and defense lawyers were being held before trial, public prosecutors present at the seminar said pre-trial meetings are currently convened only in a few districts, such as Chennai, Cuddalore, and Erode. She stated that these meetings would help prevent unnecessary adjournments and facilitat