HATHRAS CASE VICTIM'S FAMILY AND LAWYER THREATENED IN OPEN COURT

20th March 2021

The Allahabad HC recently heard a Suo Motu PIL of the Hathras Gang Rape case. The court took this up after Shri Sharad Bhatnagar, the counsel for the victim's brother, submitted an incident that took place on 5th March 2021.

Incident:

On 5th March 2021, PW1 and PW4 presented themselves before the special court SC/ST Act for the recording of prosecution evidence in the Hathras gang rape pending trial. The PWs were presented along with Adv Seema Kushwala.

Shortly after PW1 began deposing, an adv named Tarun Sharma, along with a large mob, entered the courtroom, surrounded the PWs and Adv Seema to intimidate and threaten them. The presiding officer was forced to stop the trail and was ordered to leave the Courtroom. The presiding officer ordered the police present in the premises and S.H.O of PS Kotwali to provide security and drop Adv Seema at Hathras border. Moreover, the PWs could not depose on account of fear in their life. Adv Kushwala was unable to appear before the court after this incident due to a threat to her life and security.

Decision:

The Allahabad HC, after considering the facts directed:

The district judge asked about the incident and sent a detailed report of the incident to the HC bench and the presiding officer Special Court. The further proceeding shall be conducted in camera.

After considering the aforementioned report, the court will consider whether the case is required to transfer or not. The bench also warned that any person attempting to threaten the victim's family should be punished.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal

PC: goldnewspaper