Odisha to Set Up 15 New POCSO Courts, Says Law Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated the process to establish 15 new POCSO courts across the state, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed the Assembly on Friday.

Replying to a question raised by Baliguda BJD MLA Chakramani Kanhar, the Minister said the additional courts will strengthen the state’s capacity to ensure swift justice in cases of sexual offences against children.

The new POCSO courts will be set up in Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Berhampur, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Phulbani, Puri, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Malkangiri and Sonepur.

POCSO courts, established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, are designed to ensure speedy trials in cases involving child sexual abuse. The Act mandates completion of the trial within one year from the date the court takes cognizance of the offence.

Officials said the expansion aims to improve access to justice and strengthen legal mechanisms for child protection across Odisha.