Fast-track courts not enough, warns former high court judge on child abuse cases

In a scathing remark in a child sexual abuse case, the Madras High Court said the “prisoner has forfeited his right to walk among humanity” and confirmed the death penalty of a convict. While the observation underlines the seriousness attached to child sexual abuse crimes and the consequential punishments, it also calls for a deeper look at the status of fast-track court trials, the nature of cases and, more importantly, whether judges can opine while passing judgments.Former Chhattisgarh High Court judge Justice Rajani Dubey has ruled extensively on the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases in the trial court and as a judge of a constitutional court. In an exclusive chat with The Indian Express, she underpins the reasons behind harsh remarks made by judges in su