The Madras High Court, in a strongly worded order, has directed the formation of an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the sexual assault case at Anna University. The SIT, comprising senior IPS officers Bhukya Sneha Priya, Ayaman Jamal, and S. Brinda, has been tasked with taking the matter up “in right earnest” and filing chargesheets in both criminal cases registered in connection with the incident.
The court expressed grave concern over the leak of the FIR in the Anna University sexual assault case, calling it a “serious lapse” in the investigation. In a scathing order, the court criticized systemic failures and emphasized the need for justice, dignity, and accountability in addressing crimes against women.
Recognizing the lapses by the police, including the leak of the victim’s FIR, the court ordered the state to provide interim compensation of ₹25 lakh to the victim. The amount is meant to address the trauma caused to her and her family and the systemic failures in protecting her dignity. The court also directed authorities to provide interim protection to the victim and her family, ensuring their safety during the investigation.
The court reiterated that the victim must be allowed to complete her education at Anna University without being charged any fees. The university administration was also instructed to strengthen its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) by appointing efficient personnel to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Director General of Police (DGP) has been ordered to provide full support to the SIT in its investigation. The court expressed hope that the all-women SIT would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, emphasizing the importance of filing chargesheets promptly to ensure justice.
The court also censured the press conference held by the Chennai Police Commissioner, which revealed details of the investigation at an early stage. The bench directed the state government to examine whether this violated service rules and take appropriate action, if necessary.
The bench criticized the police for not keeping the accused, a history-sheeter, under surveillance. It also called out the “misogynistic and deplorable” language of the FIR, which it said paved the way for victim-blaming. The court noted that the FIR breached the victim’s dignity and bodily autonomy, intensifying her trauma and causing mental agony.
In a powerful statement, the court urged society to shed patriarchal biases. “Why can’t a woman walk alone freely, dress as she wishes, or speak to a man without being judged? It was never her fault, but society’s for judging her,” the court observed. It emphasized the need for systemic changes to ensure women’s safety and dignity.
(With inputs from Bar & Bench)
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