Kerala High Court Criticizes Witness Boxes for Pocso Cases as Worse Than Kennels

The Kerala High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the witness boxes used for minor victims of sexual offenses in cases tried under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Justice Sophy Thomas raised concerns about the kennel-like structures where children have to testify, describing them as traumatizing. The judge mentioned that the witness boxes are so restrictive that they don’t even let in any light, likening them to dog kennels. She emphasized the need for a more supportive and child-friendly environment for victims, recalling her own experience of instructing court staff to place the accused in the witness box while allowing the children to be outside.

The criticism comes despite the establishment of a child-friendly Pocso court in the Ernakulam District Court complex in Kerala last year. The specialized court features play areas, separate toilets, and dining facilities to provide a more comfortable and safe setting for child survivors to give evidence. Justice Thomas’s remarks highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring a sensitive and supportive legal environment for minors involved in sexual offense cases.

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