Uttarakhand Courts Will Finish Hearing Of Acid Attack, Harassment & Other Cases In Just 3 Months

The Uttarakhand high court has directed trial courts throughout the state to hear acid attack cases on a daily basis and ensure that such trials are concluded within three months.

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It added that cases of sexual harassment, stalking and voyeurism, too, should be heard daily and closed within three months.

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"In case it is not possible to conclude the trial within three months, cogent and sufficient reasons shall be recorded by the trial court," the division bench of Justices Rajiv Sharma and Sharad Kumar Sharma said.

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The court directed that compensation of Rs 1 lakh should be paid to acid attack victims immediately after registration of FIR.

Rs 7,000 per month should be paid to victims who have received third/fourth-degree burns.

Rs 5,000 per month to those whose injuries are of first and second degree.

The Uttarakhand high court on Monday ordered the state government to "provide protection to eye-witnesses during pendency of the trial in all matters registered under Sections 326A and 326B (causing grievous hurt by use of acid), 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault or use of criminal force on woman with intent to disrobe), 354C (voyeurism) & 354D (stalking) of the IPC till conclusion of the trial."

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The state government was asked to ensure that "investigation in all such matters is completed within seven days, under the supervision of a gazetted officer who shall be personally held liable in case of defective investigation".

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The court further ordered the state government to constitute a 'Criminal Injuries Compensation Board' for acid attack victims within a period of four weeks. Expressing grave concern at rampant incidents of acid attacks, the HC observed that "existing provisions have failed to prevent acid throwing/acid attacks on helpless women."

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It ordered police to act promptly in such matters. "Senior superintendents of police throughout the state should ensure prompt registration of FIR in the offences pertaining to Sections 326A, 326B, 354A, 354B, 354C & 354D of IPC," the court order said.?