Karnataka HC Directs DGP To Set Up Monitoring Agency, Ensure Adherence To Procedures For Management Of Cases Relating To Child Sexual Abuse

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Director General of Police to set up a monitoring agency to ensure that police officials follow the procedures regarding proper management and investigation of cases relating to Child Sexual Abuse. A division bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj and Justice J M Khazi said, ".it is required that all investigating officers are trained and sensitised in this regard and a monitoring agency set up by the Director- General of Police for the State of Karnataka to ensure that the SOP is followed and implemented both in letter and spirit." The direction was given by the court while hearing an appeal filed by the state government challenging a trial court order by which it acquitted Kamalesh Gajanan Naik, accused under Sections 341, 376 and 511 of IPC and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. On an enquiry from the Additional SPP with respect to the process and investigation method to be followed, the Court was apprised that henceforth the SOP issued by Karnataka State Police regarding the procedures that are needed to be adopted for management of cases relating to Child Sexual Abuse will be followed.