Thanikodi v. State Of Tamilnadu Rep By Inspector Of Police, Awps-Bodinayakkanur
POCSO – Transfer/withdrawal of pending trial
Case brief
What is this about?
Crl.O.P.(MD)No.3289 of 2026 (with Crl.MP(MD)No.3578 of 2026), Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, decided 17.02.2026 by L.Victoria Gowri, J. Petition under Section 447 BNSS, 2023 to withdraw Spl.S.C.No.161 of 2025 from the POSCO Court, Theni District and transfer it to a neighbouring district POCSO Court, alleging unfair trial and non-recording of victim's (PW.1) cross-examination answers; State contended PW.1 to PW.7 already examined, PW.8 posted, depositions recorded, petition filed to protract proceedings. Court held POCSO is a welfare Act; Section 33(5) POCSO Act, 2012 bars repeated testimony by the child; no need for transfer. Petition dismissed; connected MP closed. Keywords: transfer of POCSO trial, child witness, fair trial of accused, Section 33(5) POCSO Act, Section 447 BNSS.
What did the court decide?
The POCSO Act is a welfare Act; Section 33(5) of the POCSO Act, 2012 mandates that the Special Court shall ensure that the child is not called repeatedly to testify in Court.