The women's panel chairperson is shocked at the verdict in Ruchika case; mooting repeal in higher court
The women's panel chairperson is shocked at the verdict in Ruchika case; mooting repeal in higher court
Girija Vyas is very angry.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson was shocked at the delayed justice meted out to Ruchika, the 19-year-old tennis player who committed suicide after DGP Haryana molested her.
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Shock and awe: National Commission for Women chairperson Girija Vyas at a news conference in New Delhi on Wednesday pic/Rajeev Tyagi |
"I have no word to express my anger. I want the Haryana Government to file an appeal against the verdict. The quantum of sentence pronounced after a 19-year-old legal battle is not enough," Vyas told MiD DAY, adding that the NCW is contemplating filing a suit seeking civil damages for the family of the victim. "The family of the victim has suffered both mentally and physically during the legal battle. Though any compensation is not enough and can not balance their damage, but civil aspect of the case is equally important. The NCW will consult the family of the victim before filing it," Vyas said.
The NCW is surprised with the quantum of punishment in this case. It has also formed a lawyer's committee to probe as to whether there was any attempt to scuttle or impede investigations. "The recent judgement convicting former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore to six months for molestation has been a matter of concern as even in the existing procedure of law punishment is more than it. It is also learnt that the charge of abetment to suicide was withdrawn by the police.u00a0 It seems that the accused has exploited his position to his favour," Vyas said.
Vyas will announce the details of the committee members in a couple of days.
The Commission has also taken up the matter with the Union Home Minister so that the proposed Bill on Sexual Assault can be introduced in Parliament at the earliest. "We have sent a letter to the Home Ministry asking it to expedite the tabling of the proposed Bill on Sexual Assault, which incorporates all forms of sexual assault on women apart from the existing provisions of rape," Vyas said.
"There are so many Ruchikas, who are waiting for justice for years. The new law will have provisions of stiffer punishment in rape and cases of sexual harassment," Vyas said.
Ruchika Girhotra, a promising tennis player, was molested in 1990 by Rathore, the then Inspector General of Police. She committed suicide three years later by consuming poison.
The CBI court has convicted 67-year-old Rathore for outraging the modesty of 14-year-old Ruchika and awarded the lighter six months jail term to him due to 'prolonged trial and the age of the convict'.
