ORDER :

1. We have heard Mr. V. Giri, learned Amicus Curiae and Mr. Surinder S. Rathi, learned Registrar of this Court, who has been entrusted with the work of collating and collecting data in association with the office of the learned Amicus Curiae. We have also heard Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General. Reports by the learned Amicus Curiae, as well as, Mr. Rathi, learned Registrar have been duly perused. Both the reports contain several suggestions in respect of the core of the issue, namely, to ensure timely completion of investigations and consequential trials in the offences under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). While, both the learned Amicus Curiae and Mr. Rathi, in their reports, have suggested that further time should be granted for collection of data in terms of the earlier order of this Court, we are inclined to take a different view of the matter at this stage. Instead of adjourning the case for receipt of further/additional data, we are inclined to proceed to issue certain directions hereinafter contained.

2. Having considered the matter, we have deemed it proper to issue the following directions, which will be implemented by the Union