Saturday, March 16, 2019

‘Re-issue G.O. without revealing victim’s name’

MADURAI, MARCH 16, 2019 00:00 IST

HC takes serious view of police lapse

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday directed the State to withdraw the Government Order (G.O.) on transferring the Pollachi sexual assault case to the CBI and issue it afresh without revealing the identity of the complainant.

A Division Bench of Justices N. Kirubakaran and S. S. Sundar observed that the G.O issued revealed the name of the victim and her college, apart from her brother’s name.

Pulling up the authorities concerned responsible for revealing the girl’s identity, the court said they could be proceeded against.

The court held that it was appropriate for the State to take action against the Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore, for his irresponsible conduct of revealing the name of the victim.

It is unfortunate that the Superintendent of Police has disclosed the number of videos received and the number of accused even in the preliminary stage of investigation. The purpose of non-disclosure has not been understood by the officials. The victim gave the complaint with a hope that her identity would be protected. The police have failed to protect the identity of the girl by disclosing the same to the media.

“The cries of the victim are still echoing in our ears. If the identity of the victim is revealed, how will any one come forward against such atrocities”, the court asked.

The court said the incident had sent shock waves across the country. “Let it be an eye-opener. Such incidents should not happen again,” the court said and directed the State to give psychological counselling to the victims, without the knowledge of the others preferably outside Pollachi, so that their identity is protected.

Recommending a compensation of Rs. 25 lakh to the victim, the court asked the Centre and the State to respond if a ‘One Stop Centre’ was set up to counsel such victims as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.

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