Gujarat reports 1,785 POCSO verdicts since 2022, including 908 life sentences and 16 death penalties

Gandhinagar: Gujarat has reported a significant increase in the pace of judicial proceedings in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with state authorities highlighting faster investigations, scientific evidence collection and expedited trials as key factors in securing convictions.

According to data released by the state government, POCSO courts across Gujarat delivered 1,785 verdicts between 2022 and August 2026. Of these, 908 accused were sentenced to life imprisonment, while 16 were awarded the death penalty.

The figures indicate an increase in both the number of verdicts and the severity of sentences over the period. In 2022, courts delivered 194 verdicts, with 107 accused receiving life imprisonment. By 2025, the number of verdicts had risen to 499, with 340 accused being sentenced to life imprisonment.

During the first eight months of 2026, POCSO courts delivered 346 verdicts, with 241 accused receiving life imprisonment and two being awarded the death penalty. In August alone, 48 POCSO cases resulted in convictions, of which 35 resulted in life imprisonment, according to the government data.

Focus on faster investigation

The state government has attributed the faster progress of cases to a combination of expedited police investigations, scientific evidence collection, coordination between investigators and prosecutors, and the functioning of fast-track courts.

Police authorities have said that investigations in cases involving sexual offences against children are being conducted with particular attention to evidence collection and the speedy filing of charge sheets. Officials said the objective is to ensure that cases reach the courts without unnecessary delays while maintaining the required legal and evidentiary standards.

According to the state police, charge sheets in a significant number of POCSO cases have been filed within 45 days.

Over the past five years, police reportedly filed charge sheets within one to 15 days in 140 cases, while 1,339 cases saw charge sheets filed within 16 to 30 days. A further 5,463 cases had charge sheets filed within 31 to 45 days, according to the government figures.

Kalol case highlights expedited process

A recent case in Kalol, Gandhinagar district, has been cited by the state government as an example of the speed with which the criminal justice process can proceed in cases involving serious offences against minors.

A POCSO court in Kalol sentenced an accused convicted in the rape of a 15-year-old girl to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life, with the verdict coming within 72 hours of the police filing the charge sheet, according to the state government.

The case has been highlighted by the authorities to underscore the role of timely investigation and coordination between the police and prosecution. However, the speed of proceedings in individual cases depends on the circumstances, evidence and judicial process involved.

Government stresses zero-tolerance approach

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual offences against women and children.

“There can be no mercy or leniency for any criminal who misbehaves with daughters in Gujarat,” Sanghavi said, adding that fast-track courts and the legal framework governing POCSO cases were intended to ensure that victims and their families receive justice without prolonged delays.

He also credited the Gujarat Police and judiciary for the expedited disposal of cases, particularly where investigations are supported by scientific and other admissible evidence.

Police emphasis on evidence-based investigation

State Police Chief Gyanendra Singh Malik said investigations into POCSO cases are being conducted with sensitivity, while also focusing on speed and thoroughness.

According to the police, the approach centres on intensive investigation, strict legal action and speedy justice. Senior officers are also monitoring cases to ensure that investigations are completed and charge sheets are submitted to courts at the earliest possible stage.

Scientific evidence, including forensic examination and other legally admissible material, can play an important role in establishing the facts of a case. The strength of each prosecution, however, ultimately depends on the evidence presented before the court and the findings of the judiciary.

The government’s latest figures indicate that Gujarat’s criminal justice system has been moving towards quicker disposal of POCSO cases, with authorities seeking to combine faster investigations with stringent prosecution. The state has described the approach as part of its broader effort to strengthen protection for children and reinforce deterrence against sexual offences.