OVER 2.45 LAKH POCSO CASES PENDING NATIONWIDE; UTTAR PRADESH ACCOUNTS FOR HIGHEST BACKLOG

November 3, 2026

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 3: A parliamentary standing committee on Monday reviewed the growing backlog of cases involving sexual offences against children and examined the performance of special fast-track courts in four states, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest number of pending cases.

Senior administrative and police officials from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Kerala appeared before the department-related parliamentary committee and briefed its members on the status of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to the data presented, Uttar Pradesh has between 65,000 and 75,000 pending cases, the highest among states. Kerala has approximately 13,000 to 18,000 cases awaiting disposal, while Rajasthan has between 12,000 and 16,000 pending cases being handled by 45 fast-track special courts.

Tamil Nadu has reported between 8,000 and 11,000 pending cases, which are being processed through 20 dedicated POCSO courts.

At the national level, more than 2.45 lakh cases involving child sexual offences and rape remain pending, highlighting the scale of the judicial backlog.

The committee also examined the functioning of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), which were established to accelerate trials involving sexual offences against children. Officials were questioned about their performance and the progress made in reducing pending cases.

Section 35 of the POCSO Act stipulates that trials should ordinarily be completed within one year. However, more than half of the pending cases reportedly take over two years to reach completion, with delays arising from investigation and trial backlogs.

The parliamentary review has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing the judicial system in ensuring timely trials and justice for children who are victims of sexual offences.