Karnataka reported 4,019 Pocso cases in 2024, highest in 4 years; conviction rate in crimes against women plummeted

The conviction rate in crimes against women, including sexual harassment, rape, dowry-related deaths and Pocso cases, is abnormally low, indicating administrative and judicial backlogs. In 2020, the conviction rate was 3 per cent, with 222 cases resulting in convictions, which dropped to 0.19 per cent in 2024. In 2025, no convictions have been reported, according to the data.

The number of acquittals was 2,871 in 2020 and increased to 2,909 in 2021, indicating a high case dismiss rate. However, there was a decline in acquittals starting in 2022, with 2,434 recorded that year, followed by 1,555 in 2023 and 349 in 2024. In 2025, no acquittals have been recorded.

The troubling conviction rates highlight pending cases in five special fast-track courts in Bengaluru for Pocso cases. Of the 216 cases that were charge-sheeted in 2024, only 15 have been resolved, leaving over 200 cases awaiting trial.

In 2024, the case disposal rate dropped to just seven per cent, a significant decrease compared to previous years: 43 per cent in 2023 (117 out of 274 cases charged), 81 per cent in 2022 (307 out of 377 charged cases), 84 per cent in 2021 (195 out of 231 charged cases), and 82 per cent in 2020 (201 out of 243 cases). Court officials attributed this decline in case disposal for 2024 to the prolonged absence of a presiding officer or judge in one of the five fast-track Pocso courts.

Better reporting mechanism

A senior IPS officer told The Indian Express that the increase in Pocso cases is because of multiple institutions reporting to the police department. “The increasing number of Pocso cases reflects the growing awareness among the society and multiple stakeholders to identify and report such cases. Earlier parents were the primary reporters of such cases.

However, various institutions, including the health department, education department and social welfare organisations, are increasingly reporting incidents. Notably, many cases come to light when doctors detect pregnancies in minors, leading to a sharp spike in reported cases. The doctors calculate backwards to determine the sexual act which had occurred when she was a minor.”

The official added, “The awareness programmes in schools have also led to an increase in reporting such cases. However, due to rampant exposure to social media, more minors are becoming vulnerable, which is also leading to crime.”

Brinda Adige, a women’s rights activist, said, “There are two sides to this issue—while reporting of Pocso cases has increased over the years, crimes against children continue unabated due to the failure of state mechanisms. Nearly 60-70 per cent of cases end in acquittals because complainants face threats and witnesses turn hostile. The justice system is not victim-centric—survivors are forced to relive their trauma in courts, while predators exploit legal loopholes to secure bail.”

“We lack specially trained judges and competent prosecutors dedicated to handling these cases. Prosecutors juggle multiple cases, leading to delays, weak trials, and no accountability. Even basic counselling and survivor support are missing. The system must change—we need specialised Pocso courts, stronger victim protection, and trained legal professionals who can ensure justice. Without these reforms, the system will continue to fail victims and embolden perpetrators,” Adige added.