NHRC issues guidelines for speedy disposal of child rape cases

New Delhi, July 16 (UNI) Concerned over the rising cases of child rape across the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued guidelines for speedy disposal of such cases.

The Commission said a complaint relating to child rape shall be recorded promptly as well as accurately, filed by the victim or an eyewitness or anyone, including a representative of non-governmental organisation, who has received information about the offence.

Regarding the recording of the complaint, the Commission said an officer not below the rank of SI and preferably lady police officer should perform the task and record it verbatim.

''Person recording the complaint should be in civil dress and should not insist to write the complaint in police station, it can be done at the residence of the victim,'' the directions said.

According to the guidelines, if the complainant is the child victim, then the reporting officer must ensure that the child victim is made comfortable before proceeding to record the complaint.

''This would help in ensuring accurate narration of the incident covering all relevant aspects of the case. If feasible assistance of psychiatrist should be taken.'' The Commission said the Investigation Officer (IO) shall ensure that medical examination of victim of sexual assault and the accused is done preferably within 24 hours in accordance with CrPC Sec 164 A.

''Instruction be issued that the Chief Medical Officer ensures the examination of victim immediately on receiving request from Investigating Officer. The gynaecologist, while examining the victim should ensure recording the history of incident,'' it added.

Immediately after the registration of the case, an investigation team shall visit the scene of crime to secure whatever incriminating evidence is available there.

''If there are tell-tale signs of resistance by the victim or use of force by the accused those should be photographed,'' it said.

The other recommendations included keeping the identity of the victim and the family a secret and ensuring their protection and investigating officer shall secure the clothes of the victim as well as the clothes of the accused, if arrested, and send them within 10 days for forensic analysis.

The Commission also issued guidelines for trial courts, asking them to appoint lady judges for such cases and in camera trials and committing cases to session within 15 days after filing of the chargesheet.

UNI