RAPE VICTIM Vs. STATE OF C G

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD . It is an office reference. This writ petition has been registered in view of the heart-rending news published by the English Daily "The Hitavada' on 10-5-2002 under the heading 'Rape Victim pleads for Justice' whereby the plight of the woman has been highlighted.

(2.) A perusal of the news item shows that a married woman was forcibly raped by the accused Lakh Ram while she was alone in her house at Mandir Hasaud in June last year. It is also reported that the accused inflicted stab injuries when she resisted. Thereafter she was admitted to the hospital in a serious condition and the doctors said her treatment required heavy cost which her husband Genduram could not bear. According to the news-report the woman has three kids to be looked after and she has become nearly handicapped due to the injuries inflicted on her. The accused, as reported, is still at large.

(3.) IN view of the statement made by learned counsel this petition is disposed of with the direction that the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to look into the matter, depute some responsible officer not below the rank of Additional S.R to enquire into about veracity, facts & circumstances of the matter, register the crime, investigate it in accordance with law, take such steps which are warranted and submit a report. If some financial assistance is required for treatment and rehabilitation, the same shall be provided to the victim and the report shall be submitted to the Govt, which shall consider it, and if the situation and circumstances warrants legal, medical and financial aid be provided. If required the concerned Legal Aid Officer shall provide legal aid including one of filing a writ petition before this Court. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police shall also submit their report to this Court through Shri Sanjay K. Agarwal, Deputy Advocate General. Concerned Secretary of the State shall also submit the report to the Additional Registrar Judicial of this Court, who shall put up for perusal in chamber. Subject to what has been stated herein above the matter stands disposed of. Copy of this order be supplied to Shri Sanjay K. Agarwal, Deputy Advocate General.