STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The two-day program titled “POCSO Act and POSH Act with Special Reference to SAMVAD’s Training Manual and Combating Gender Stereotypes” concluded on Sunday. The first session on the second day was led by U.K. Jalali, Senior Advocate of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and former Advocate General. Jalali discussed the impact of gender stereotypes in judicial decision-making, emphasizing that reliance on such stereotypes undermines impartiality and distorts justice. He stressed that even if stereotypes do not alter a case’s outcome, they can reinforce harmful societal norms. Jalali highlighted the importance of using unbiased language in legal proceedings, reflecting a fair interpretation of the law. He introduced the Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes, which offers a glossary of gender-unjust terms and suggests alternatives for drafting legal documents. Additionally, Jalali explored the interplay between the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to protecting children’s rights. The second session was conducted by Sonia Gupta, PDJ Reasi, who provided an overview of rehabilitation and compensation for child victims of sexual offenses. Gupta emphasized that the POCSO Act addresses both the legal and emotional needs of child victims. She outlined the criteria for determining compensation and the importance of balancing justice with child welfare. Gupta highlighted the necessity for collaboration among legal, medical, and psychological professionals to support the healing and empowerment of child survivors. Effective implementation of these provisions requires a strong commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of child victims. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman of the Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, delivered the concluding remarks. He noted that while the POCSO Act addresses critical issues related to child sexual abuse, it is not a cure-all. The Act promotes humane methods for handling victims and prohibits judicial victimization. Justice Kumar emphasized the need for swift and effective handling of POCSO cases to safeguard child victims’ interests.
Justice Shukla pointed out that approximately 28% of children experience sexual abuse or harassment. He stressed the importance of timely and precise action in reporting, investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating POCSO cases to protect children’s well-being throughout the judicial process.
The program, concluded with remarks by Yash Paul Bourney, Director of J&K Judicial Academy, emphasized its significance in improving understanding and application of the POCSO and POSH Acts, fostering a more just and inclusive approach to addressing gender issues and child protection.