In Brief

Following the Nirbhaya case and subsequent 2013 and 2018 amendments to criminal law, the Supreme Court recognized that the criminal justice system's implementation of statutory protections for rape victims remained inadequate. In this suo motu order, the Court launched a comprehensive assessment of the criminal justice response to sexual offences. The Court directed all states, police departments, courts, health services, and legal aid agencies to file detailed status reports on implementation of provisions covering victim statement recording, investigation timelines, medical examinations, forensic analysis, trial procedures, victim/witness protection, and compensation schemes. The Court appointed a Senior Advocate as Amicus Curiae to collate information and recommend systemic improvements, emphasizing that statutory mandates cannot be circumvented by practical limitations.", "disposition": "other"

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