JOINT WOMENS PROGRAMME Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of an interim order we direct the State of Rajasthan and the State of Haryana and the concerned Police officials to proceed with the investigation into the unnatural deaths of Mrs. Kantha and Mrs. Prasani Devi. We direct that investigation shall be conducted by an Officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police. In case it has so far been conducted by an officer lower in rank to him, the Superintendent of Police will also give a fresh look to the whole matter and proceed further with the investigation without being inhibited by the view taken by the subordinate officers earlier if circumstances so demand.

(2.) We also direct the States of Rajasthan and Haryana by way of an interim order to create a Special Dowry Cell at the State level to investigate into the dowry deaths through specialised investigative units.

(3.) One or two leading women social Workers to be named by the Ministry dealing with the Social Welfare and Women's problems maybe associated with such dowry cells.