The Kerala High Court has directed the State to appoint prosecutors exclusively for POCSO cases within six weeks, rejecting permission for those prosecutors to handle non-POCSO proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Judge / Bench — Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.; judgment by Chief Justice Soumen Sen.
The 14 October 2026 judgment applied Section 32 and Supreme Court directions requiring specialised prosecutors. It also directed consideration of thirteen additional permanent exclusive POCSO courts, with the decision communicated within four weeks of receiving the judgment. Existing facilities must meet statutory requirements, with State financial assistance for necessary modifications.
Advocates appearing — Petitioners — V.M. Krishnakumar, P.R. Reena and Pooja Sunil. State — Asaf Ali, Director General of Prosecution; Government Pleader not named. High Court Administration — Harikumar G. (Gopinathan Nair).