S. Nagamuthu, J.

The Government of Tamil Nadu, under G.O.Ms.No.217 dated 02.04.2013, sanctioned the constitution of 22 Fast Track Mahila Courts in 22 different districts in the cadre of Additional Sessions Judges to try the cases of offences against women. Subsequently, under G.O.Ms.No.514 dated 16.07.2013, 22 posts of Additional Sessions Judges were sanctioned, known as the Judges of the Fast Track Mahila Courts to preside over these 22 Courts. Thus, by constitution, these Fast Track Mahila Courts are presided over by Additional Sessions Judges. They exercise all the powers conferred upon them under the Code of Criminal Procedure as Additional Sessions Judges. These Fast Track Mahila Courts were later on specified to be the Special Courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences, Act (for short the POCSO Act) under G.O.Ms.No.1087 dated 04.12.2013. Thus, these Additional Sessions Judges (Fast Track Mahila Courts) have been functioning as Special Courts under the POCSO Act.

2. While so, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dindigul, had written to the High Court seeking instructions as to whether the Judicial Magistrates have got the power to remand an accused involved i