August 24, 2021
2 mins read

SC says shocked by HP govt’s delay in litigating rape matter

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy said the state government filed a special leave petition with a delay of 636 days and Covid was cited as the reason for delay…reports Asian Lite News

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up Himachal Pradesh for citing Covid induced delays in litigating a sensitive matter where a minor girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by her father.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy said the state government filed a special leave petition with a delay of 636 days and Covid was cited as the reason for delay.

“The order was passed on December 5, 2018, and thus, we asked counsel as to which year was the world affected by Covid, 2019 or 2020 to which learned counsel’s answer initially was 2019, possibly to cover the delay but realising that it was 2020, he states that the papers were not received by him,” it said.

To say the least, “we are shocked at the conduct of the petitioner-state and the manner of conduct of the litigation in such a sensitive matter”, the bench added.

Rape. (File Photo: IANS)

It remarked that there is not even a semblance of explanation for delay. “We however, would not like to dismiss the petition on limitation because of the seriousness of the issue involved. But that is no excuse why the state should not be made accountable of such inordinate delay and the persons responsible for the same,” the bench said in its order.

The court imposed cost of Rs 25,000 on the state government for delay in filing the SLP. “We thus, condone the delay but subject to imposition of costs of Rs 25,000 to be deposited with the Supreme Court Group ‘C’ (Non-Clerical) Employees Welfare Association within four weeks with a direction to hold the enquiry, fix responsibility and recover the amount from the officers concerned,” it said in its order.

The top court issued notice to the man, who was acquitted in the case, on the SLP filed by the state government challenging the high court verdict.

In December 2018, the high court had delivered the verdict on an appeal filed by the man against the trial court’s August 2017 order convicting him under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused was sentenced to 10 years jail by the trial court.

ALSO READ: Persecuted Afghans finding solace in India

Previous Story

BJP, Cong at loggerheads in K’taka over statement equating RSS to Taliban

Next Story

Modi, Merkel discuss security situation in Afghanistan

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Terror Link “No Secret”: Bilawal Bhutto

Zardari stated that Pakistan’s intelligence services have since changed course and no longer collaborate with extremist elements..reports Asian Lite News Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has openly acknowledged Pakistan’s

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of
Go toTop

Don't Miss

At trilateral meet, India says Afghan territory must not be used by terror groups

However, the humanitarian gesture had hit a roadblock as Pakistan

India to host EAS meet on Maritime Security cooperation

The meet was participated by 10 ASEAN member states and