KERALA HIGH COURT EXPRESSED ITS CONCERN FOR THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF RAPE VICTIMS PROTECTION GUIDELINES

Keeping in view the increasing number of sexual abuse and rape survivors, yesterday, the Kerala High Court again voiced its concern regarding the incompetent implementation of the victim protection guidelines. 

The court was hearing a petition against Thrikkakkara Police Station's station house officer and civil police officer that both of the authorities were acting in alliance with the accused of the sexual assault case filed by her. Due to their collaboration petitioner had to face many challenges and therefore was forced to go into hiding. Currently, the court is trying to look into the facts of the case and the truth behind the allegations. However, it still emphasized the incompetence of the concerned authorities and questioned why they were not held liable for their failure to implement the victim protection guidelines effectively.

Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that cases of sexual assault victims and rape survivors being intimidated by the accused persons and their allies are coming to the court regularly. Unfortunately, in the present case, it is more grievous because the petitioner is harassed by the accused and by certain Police Officers.

Further, the court directed the District Police Chief to file a response concerning this issue and make sure that all guidelines regarding the victim protection protocols are implemented effectively.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal