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MADRAS HIGH COURT TAKES DECISIVE ACTION FOR JUSTICE AND CAMPUS SAFETY

In a landmark move, the Madras High Court on Saturday, December 28, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior women IPS officers to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a second-year engineering student at Anna University, Chennai. during several petitions calling for an open and impartial investigation, the decision was made during a special hearing presided over by Justices SM Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayanan.

SYSTEMIC LAPS CONDEMNED BY THE COURT
 

The court pointed out serious shortcomings in the way the university administration and the police handled the delicate situation. It emphasized that no one should be permitted to elude justice, regardless of their position of authority or influence.
 

"We cannot allow any offender to evade accountability, irrespective of their status or position. The SIT must ensure a fair, impartial investigation and file a chargesheet promptly," the bench observed.

The judges denounced as a grave violation of confidentially the disclosure of the FIR that contained the survivor's personal information. Authorities were ordered by the court to look into this oversight and prosecute individuals involved.
 

₹25 LAKH INTERIM COMPENSATION FOR THE SURVIVOR

In a compassionate move, the court ordered the State Government to pay an interim compensation of ₹25 lakh to the survivor. The bench explained that anyone convicted of wrongdoing and carelessness could thereafter be held liable for this compensation.

Importantly, the court noted that this interim compensation does not preclude the survivor from seeking additional financial redress during criminal proceedings.

SUPPORT FOR SURVIVOR’S EDUCATION AND WELL-BEING

The Madras High Court directed Anna University to ensure that the survivor can continue her education without financial constraints. All fees, including those for tuition, housing, exams, and other levies, will be waived.

In order to support the survivor's emotional and psychological healing, the court further ordered the university to offer her professional counseling services.
 

SECURITY AND PROTECTION ENSURED

The Director General of Police (DGP) has been instructed to provide immediate and sustained protection to the survivor and her family to prevent any intimidation or harm during the investigation.

POLICE HANDLING AND PRESS MEET CRITICIZED

The court expressed strong disapproval of the insensitive language used in the FIR, which appeared to shift blame onto the survivor. It emphasized that law enforcement officials must handle such cases with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

Furthermore, the court criticized the Commissioner of Police for holding a press conference on the case without prior approval from the government. The bench directed the government to examine the commissioner’s actions and take disciplinary measures if necessary.

"Victim-blaming narratives must cease. Society must stop questioning a woman's choices and instead focus on holding perpetrators accountable," the court remarked.

A CALL FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

In a powerful statement, the bench urged society to break free from regressive mindsets and refrain from victim-shaming.

"Why should a woman be questioned for walking freely at night or speaking to male friends? It is not women who need to change their behavior, but society that must learn to respect them," the court stated.

CONCLUSION

The Madras High Court’s firm stance marks a significant step toward ensuring justice, accountability, and systemic reform in handling sexual assault cases on campuses. With the formation of the SIT, financial support for the survivor, and strict accountability measures, the court has set a strong precedent for survivor-centric justice.

Stay connected with My India Times News for ongoing updates on this critical case and other key developments across the nation.