Maha govt to allow rape victim to chose lawyer

Maharashtra government has decided to allow a rape victim to chose a lawyer of her preference to fight her case in the court at the state's expense.

Home Minister RR Patil said on Monday that the decision has been taken by his department to provide maximum possible legal assistance to rape victims and not restrict to public prosecutors alone.

He felt this will help expedite conviction in rape cases.

"The victim can seek legal assistance even from private lawyers and the fees will be borne by the state government. They will be appointed as special public prosecutors," Patil said.u00a0