In a Training Programme for Special Juvenile Police Officers and IOs of POCSO Act, organized by District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar, following the directions of Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhwalia, Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority, and Sh. Harpal Singh, District & Sessions Judge, SAS Nagar:
Baljinder Singh Maan, CJM-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar, addressed Special Juvenile Police officers. He highlighted 16 general principles for Act administration, including presumption of innocence, dignity, best interest, safety, and equality.
Sonali Singh, Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, SAS Nagar, emphasized that a child in conflict with the law cannot be arrested but apprehended. Special Juvenile Police Officers must submit a social investigation report to the Juvenile Justice Board during the child’s production.
Investigating officers were sensitized about POCSO Act Section 33 (8), granting compensation to minor victims. Immediate application filing and prompt compensation by the Special Court were discussed. Empathy towards victims and training on Punjab Compensation Scheme, 2017, and NALSA’s Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes-2018 were also covered.
