Police can investigate Section 23 POCSO Act case without magistrate approval: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court ruled that police can investigate cases under Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act without prior magistrate approval. The case involved the investigation of a child abuse case where the police had proceeded without magistrate sanction. The Court clarified that the law allows police to act independently in such cases, provided they are adhering to the provisions of the POCSO Act. This decision reinforces the role of law enforcement in protecting children’s rights and ensuring timely action in abuse cases.