The vacation Bench of the High Court on Thursday ordered issuance of notices to Union and state governments, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and the Law, Minister for Home and DG & IGP on a public interest litigation seeking to stop political interference in various rape cases.
The Bench comprising Justice Abdul Nazeer and Justice BS Indrakala passed the order on a petition filed by M K Vijaya Kumar, an advocate from the city.
Earlier during the hearing, the petitioner had stated that the state and the Union governments are not concerned about the safety of the women and girls who were raped or gang-raped in the state. The city, which is known as IT capital, has became the crime capital as more number of rape cases are being reported here, he added.
The petitioner further submitted that the police have failed in their duty to investigate the crime properly especially the cases of rapes, gang-rapes and murders of women as the investigation officers are frequently transferred from one police station to another due to interference by the politicians. The politicians issue favourable letters requesting Chief Minister and Home Minister seeking posting of their choice of police officers to their districts.
The Government’s foremost duty is to prevent gang- rapes by proper policing or patrolling during nights, he contended.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) rape cases increased by nine per cent in the state compared to the previous year.
He further sought directions to strictly follow the High Court and Supreme Court directions while investigating the crime of rape, gang rape and to proceed forthwith in the investigation without any delay of time upon receipt of complaint.
He also sought directions to respondents that police officers should not be influenced by the politicians while carrying out investigations of rape or gang rape cases as it affects the fundamental right of the victims.