NGO demands implementation of SC order directing appointment of support persons for POCSO victims
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, August 08 2024:
The New Life Foundation, Manipur, under the aegis of 'Access to Justice' programme, has urged the Manipur Government to appoint support persons in all POCSO cases in compliance with the Supreme Court order which is based on guidelines proposed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
It may be noted that the apex court today directed States and UTs across the country to submit a compliance report within 4 weeks, as per a press release issued by Dr Lamabam Pishak Singh, secretary, New Life Foundation Manipur.
Demanding urgent implementation of the order across the State, New Life Founda tion, Manipur stated that the NGO has been working in Bishnupur for child protection and child rights as part of the 'Access to Justice' programme which is one of the world's largest legal intervention programmes led by more than 200 grassroots NGOs for child protection in more than 400 districts across the country.
Meanwhile, applauding the Supreme Court order, Dr Lamabam Pishak Singh, secretary, New Life Foundation Manipur stated that the landmark order will help the victims of child sexual abuse in many ways.
Stating that the NGO is supporting 15 POCSO cases in Bishnupur district, he called for urgent implementation of the Supreme Court order to make the lives of many children and their families easier.
Notably, a division bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh directed all States and Union Territories to submit a compliance report in 4 weeks based on the NCPCR guidelines regarding the appointment, qualification and duties of support persons in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) cases.
The petition was filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan.
The apex court today also directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to file a compliance report on the appointment of Para Legal Volunteers in every police station across the country.