‘Finish forensic tests in crimes against women in a month’

Forensic tests in cases of crime against women and children should be completed within one month, Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain directed the Home Department and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) of the Delhi government on Monday.

In a written order, Mr. Jain said, “Keeping in view the ever-increasing incidents of crimes against women/girl child/ POCSO offences, all such cases referred for forensic examination need to be attended urgently for earliest completion of Prosecution (sic).”

‘Top priority’

He added that crime against women and children, as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), should be “accorded top priority” and the forensic examination completed within one month.

He also asked the Home Department and the Delhi government’s FSL in Rohini to submit a report about the progress of these cases every month.

According to sources in the Aam Aadmi Party government, the decision was taken in view of the recent incidents of rape that have led to protests and demands for justice.

The gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year and the 2017 gang-rape of a girl in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh in which a BJP MLA has been accused have led to a public outcry.

Protests and marches in Delhi over the weekend and the ongoing hunger strike by Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal have once again brought the spotlight onto the issue, after nationwide protests in the wake of the December 16 gang-rape and murder case in 2012.

Amendment in order

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that the government would bring an amendment in order to make death penalty the punishment for raping a minor.

The Delhi Assembly had passed a resolution seeking the same in its session that ended on April 10.

The official added that the Home Department was working on the Bill and it would be introduced during a special session of the Assembly soon.