In Brief
This case concerns the brutal abduction, rape, and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. The petitioner sought case transfer to Chandigarh and protection for the victim's family, counsel, and associates assisting in prosecution. The Supreme Court found that fair trial under Article 21 is inseparable from victim and witness protection. The Court granted interim relief: continuous security for the victim's family, counsel, and assisting advocates; security in plain clothes to avoid public exposure; and directed state authorities to strengthen security at the juvenile detention facility housing the alleged accused, with regard for child protection principles.
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