National   

NHRC guidelines for speedy disposal of child rape cases

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued guidelines for speedy disposal of child rape cases, recommending that the investigation be completed within three months and the trial carried out in a child-friendly atmosphere.

It said the investigating officer should ensure that the medical examination of the victim and the accused was done preferably within 24 hours and Chief Medical Officers should make sure that the tests were conducted immediately after receiving the request.

The gynaecologist should ensure recording the history of the incident.

In its directions to the police, the NHRC said an officer not below the rank of sub-inspector, preferably a woman, should record the victim’s statement.

Assistance of psychiatrist could be taken during the recording of statement.

The officer must ensure that the victim was made comfortable before recording the statement.

The recording of the statement could be done at the residence of the victim and the police should not insist that it be done at the police station.

The recording should be verbatim and the officer should be in civil dress.

“The investigation shall invariably be completed within 90 days of the registration of the case,” the commission said.

Noting that the trial should be conducted in a “child-friendly atmosphere,” the NHRC said, “if possible, the court proceedings should be done via videoconferencing in a conducive manner so that the victim is not subjected to close proximity of the accused.”

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Dera chief escapes unhurt in clash at Sirsa
Assam Government to recommend CBI probe into death of FCI official
Krishna Iyer commends Manmohan’s statement
Hard disk sent to lab
Rath Yatra overwhelms Puri
Rape issue rocks UP Assembly again
Copter wreckage “spotted”
NHRC guidelines for speedy disposal of child rape cases
Hospices for HIV positive women in villages
A showpiece aquarium
“Allegations on wheat imports baseless”
Charge sheet filed against Vanzara, others
‘Charge baseless’
NACO to review sex education module

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu