Do not try minors' rape cases in open court: HC

New Delhi, Oct 4: The Delhi High Court said the trial of cases involving minor rape victims should not be tried in open court rather friendly atmosphere should be created for them in the guardianship of their parents.

"The child victim (of rape) shall not be separated from her parents/guardians on the ground of ascertaining the voluntary nature of statement," the High Court said quoting the guidelines issued by it in a previous judgment.

"No court shall detain a child in an institution meant for the adults," justice Gita Mittal said expressing anguish that all these guidelines put in place were being ignored by the trial court while dealing with cases of rape against minors.

In a case of rape involving minor, the High Court also directed the police to comply with the court's earlier directions that it is ensured that the statement of victim is video recorded.

Among other directions, the High Court asked the police to register the FIR immediately after receiving a complaint and depute a woman officer to deal with the victim of a sexual crime.

"The officer recording the statement of the child victim should not be in police uniform," said justice Mittal adding that the statement of the victim should be recorded without loss of time.

OneIndia News