The Supreme Court today asked the Chief Justice or acting Chief Justices of all High Courts to ensure the formation of an anti-sexual harassment committee in all district courts in the country within two months.
The apex court has asked district courts to constitute sexual harassment complaints committee within 2 months as per the Vishakha Act, and directed the High Courts to ensure they are set up, and file a compliance report by July 5.
Early this month, the top court directed all high courts to ensure cases under the POSCO Act are fast-tracked and decided by special courts.
The apex court said the high courts may constitute a committee of three judges to regulate and monitor the trials of sexual assault cases of children.
The high courts had been directed to form three-member committee to see development of the cases in lower courts. The SC had also directed not to give unnecessary adjournments.
Last month, the Centre approved an ordinance to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to provide for the death penalty for the rape of children below the age of 12.
The move comes in the wake of public outrage over the Kathua rape-and-murder case where the victim was a minor.
(Agencies)