Gandhinagar, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Special courts in Gujarat delivered 1,785 verdicts in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act between 2022 and August 2026, with 908 offenders sentenced to life imprisonment and 16 handed the death penalty, according to figures shared by state authorities.
The data indicates a rise in the number of verdicts and life sentences in cases involving sexual offences against children. Authorities have highlighted coordination between police and prosecutors, timely investigations and the appointment of special public prosecutors in serious cases as important factors in securing convictions.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Makarand Chauhan said district and city police units could recommend special public prosecutors for particularly serious POCSO cases. Such proposals are sent to the State Police Headquarters for consideration, he said.
The annual figures show that courts delivered 194 verdicts in 2022, resulting in 107 life sentences. In 2025, the number of verdicts rose to 499, with 340 accused persons sentenced to life imprisonment. Between January and August 2026, courts delivered 346 verdicts and awarded 241 life sentences. In August alone, 48 cases resulted in verdicts, including 35 life sentences.
Timely filing of charge sheets and speedy trials are also critical to prosecution, said Nayan Sukhadiwala, a government lawyer at the District and Sessions Court in Surat. Delays in filing charge sheets can create the possibility of default bail, while prolonged trials may affect witness recollection and statements, he said.
State figures show that charge sheets were filed within one to 15 days in 140 POCSO cases and within 16 to 30 days in 1,339 cases. In another 5,463 cases, charge sheets were filed within 31 to 45 days.
Authorities are monitoring investigation timelines and charge-sheet submissions as part of efforts to strengthen the prosecution of offences against children.
FOLLOW NOW
