SUO-MOTO INRE Vs. STATE OF U.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Tomorrow is Gandhi Jayanti and we are reminded of the words of the Father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi whose heart bled for the weak and downtrodden and we quote his words as under:-

(2.) This is a time to strengthen our resolve to live up to the ideas which 'Bapu' stood for, but, unfortunately ground realities are very different from the high values propagated and practiced by the Father of our Nation.

(3.) Today, we find ourselves constrained to take cognizance of an extremely sensitive and important matter touching upon the basic human/fundamental rights of the citizens of this country and residents of this State based on certain newspaper items and programs shown in the audio-visual media, according to which, a young girl of 19 years, a resident of District - Hathras in the State of U.P. was subjected to gang rape and in this process not only her bones were broken but her tongue was also mutilated presumably with the intent that she may not disclose the names of the perpetrators of this abominable crime. The incident has evoked disgust amongst the Public at large as is borne out from newspapers, TV channel programs and has been condemned by all. Another unfortunate aspect of the matter is that the victim fought for life for almost two weeks but ultimately she succumbed to on 29.09.2020 at Safdurjung Hospital, New Delhi. It is said that the alleged perpetrators of the crime have been apprehended and some SIT has been formed by the State Government to investigate the matter. However, for the moment, we are concerned with what has happened thereafter. The incidents which took place after the death of the victim on 29.09.2020 leading up to her cremation, as alleged, have shocked our conscience, therefore, we are taking suo moto cognizance of the same.