Bombay HC Seeks Details Of Dedicated Rehabilitation Scheme For Minor POCSO Survivors Beyond Financial Aid
Mumbai, October 13, 2026: The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government whether it has a dedicated scheme to support minor girls who are victims of sexual offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, observing that financial assistance alone may not help them become self-reliant in the long run. A bench headed by Justice Bharati Dangre, on October 12,…
On October 12, the Bombay High Court questioned the Maharashtra government regarding the existence of a dedicated rehabilitation scheme for minors who are victims of sexual offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Justice Bharati Dangre noted that while financial assistance may provide temporary support, it is insufficient for these girls to become self-reliant in the long term.
Court to Determine Rehabilitation Plans The court, hearing three petitions concerning minor survivors seeking medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), was informed by Assistant Government Pleader Molina Thakur about a Government Resolution from the Women and Child Development Department outlining a scheme under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
However, the court observed that the resolution did not explicitly identify this category of minors or specify the duration of assistance. "A girl who is a victim of an offence under the POCSO Act falls in a completely different category," the bench commented, adding that institutionalization may not be necessary for every victim.
Focus on Trauma Recovery and Livelihood The court emphasized that rehabilitation should prioritize the girls' recovery from trauma, encourage their education if desired, and offer vocational training to help them secure a livelihood. The bench directed Thakur to obtain instructions from the Women and Child Development Department and the Social Welfare Department to determine if a specific scheme exists for POCSO victims, or if other government programs provide financial assistance.
Manodhairya Scheme Under Review The Manodhairya Scheme, launched by the Maharashtra government in October 2013, offers financial aid to sexual assault survivors. The court questioned whether this scheme, and other government programs, provide adequate support beyond financial aid, stressing the need for measures that enable survivors to build independent lives.
Government Response Expected The government was ordered to respond at the next hearing on October 26.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
