BIMLA DEVI Vs. STATE OF H P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) How knee-jerk reaction and media trial can create havoc and ruin not only someone's career, but even life is best reflected in the instant case.

(2.) The petitioner on 12.8.1986 was appointed as Anganwadi Helper in Anganwadi Centre Karian, District Chamba. On 11.4.2015, which happened to be a Second Saturday, one 10 year old girl 'A', who was studying in Government Primary School, Karian, disclosed to her mother that 15 days ago, when there was holiday on Saturday and she had gone to play in Anganwadi ground, in the evening at about 4.00 P.M. along with other children, 'H' son of the petitioner had sexually assaulted her. She further disclosed that said 'H' as and when got opportunity had also committed same act with other girls 'B', 'C' and 'D'. This led to registration of FIR No. 141/2015 against 'H' on 11.4.2015 at Police Station, Sadar, Chamba.

(3.) On 12.4.2015, this news was flashed across all the news papers. Not only this, even the Department and District Administration had swung into action immediately and an Inquiry Committee headed by Sub Division Officer (Civil) Chamba, comprising of District Project Officer, President, two female members of Child Welfare Committee, Chamba and two outreach workers of District Child Protection Unit,Chamba, was constituted on 12.4.2015. The Inquiry Committee had visited the spot on the same day and conducted inquiry. During the inquiry, show cause notice was served upon the petitioner, which was duly replied by the petitioner. The inquiry report was submitted on 16.4.2015.