Summary:
Kochi, Oct 13 (PTI) Distressed by instances of victims of sexual attacks knocking on the doors of the courts, with some regularity, for protection against intimidation by the accused and their associates, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday said there was a need for effective implementation of victim protection guidelines which was not happening presently.
The high court said both the Kerala government and the State Police Chief have to answer how the mandate of protection of victims of sexual attacks can be effectively implemented in the state as this was a matter "that cuts at the root of the societal response to such grievous attacks and offences".
"Cases of sexual attack victims and rape survivors being intimidated by the accused persons and their associates have been coming to this court with some regularity." "..
it causes a lot of distress to this court because there are specific guidelines, circulars and orders issued by the various competent authorities with respect to protection of victims of sexual attacks, including rape; but many times, I notice that these are not being effectively implemented," Justice Devan Ramachandran said.
The observation by the court came a day after it had raised concerns over the increasing number of POCSO cases and lack of any mechanism to protect the children against such offences or threats from the perpetrators.
The high court on Tuesday had said it was "high time" there was a victim protection scheme in the state.