Justice Under the POCSO Act

Reporting a crime is only the first step. Understanding what happens next builds trust in the system — and in PENN's work alongside it.

What This Data Means

Conviction rate rose from 33.2% (2017) to 34.9% (2019).
Roughly 1 in 3 cases that reach trial end in conviction — the rest end in acquittal or remain pending.
Fast-track POCSO courts have since been expanded nationally to speed up cases and improve outcomes.

Legal aid volunteers guide families through the POCSO process and their rights at each stage.
Advisory board (a retired Madras HC judge and a retired IPS officer) guides judiciary-level engagement.
School and community programs raise awareness of the Act itself, so families act quickly and correctly.

1Report suspected abuse as early as possible — delays can weaken a case and are one of the most cited reasons for acquittal.
2Preserve any evidence (messages, photos, medical records) and avoid confronting a suspected offender directly before involving authorities.
3POCSO trials are legally required to be child-friendly and conducted in-camera (privately) to protect the child's identity — a family has the right to expect this.
4Seek legal aid early; free legal aid is available through District Legal Services Authorities, and PENN's legal aid volunteers can help guide families to it.