The Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, Vijay Narayan, informed the Madras High Court on Wednesday that the state government is actively exploring methods to expedite the prosecution of cases involving crimes against women and children. This matter arose during the hearing of a petition filed by a sexual assault survivor demanding a swift trial in cases of rape and sexual offenses across Tamil Nadu.
The Advocate General emphasized that the State regards crimes against women and children with utmost seriousness and is prioritizing this issue. He requested additional time to present a comprehensive plan outlining the proposed measures to the Court. A Bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan noted the State’s commitment to establishing the necessary infrastructure to fast-track such prosecutions, ensuring that offenders are swiftly brought to justice.
The petitioner, whose case involves allegations against police personnel, called for immediate charges to be framed in the case pending at the Mahila Court in Tiruvannamalai. Furthermore, she demanded adherence to the two-month timeframe stipulated under the proviso to Section 346(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for the completion of trials in rape cases. She urged that witness examinations should occur daily without unwarranted delays.
Vijay Narayan, representing the State, emphasized the prioritization of these cases and revealed that efforts are being made to enhance forensic laboratories and DNA testing facilities, as delays in these areas often impede the progress of trials. The Court also investigated the lack of progress in the Tiruvannamalai case, learning that a discharge petition by the first accused had been dismissed. Although a revision petition against this dismissal is pending, no stay has been granted by any higher court.
The Court declared that the mere existence of a revision petition should not hinder the trial proceedings. It instructed the trial court to resolve the discharge application of the second accused within seven days of receiving the High Court’s order. Should the discharge application favor the prosecution and no interim order be obtained from a higher court within ten days, the trial should conclude by July 31. Additionally, the trial is to proceed on a daily basis.
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Public Prosecutor John Sathyan also appeared in the case, supporting the need for prompt legal proceedings.
