Finish trials of rape cases in 6 months: High Court

The High Court on Thursday issued seven directives, including the disposal of rape or murder cases within 180 days of filing those with Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals.

The bench of Justice Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman issued the order during hearing on three cases filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000.

The court ordered continuing the cases every working day without any break after the start of hearing in the cases according to section 20 of the Act.

It ordered formation of a monitoring committee with the Additional District Magistrate, Additional Superintendent of Police (Admin), a representative of Civil Surgeon, and related Public Prosecutor (PP) to ensure the presence and safety of witnesses of the cases.

The PP concerned will coordinate the committee and submit monthly report about its activities to the Supreme Court, Home Ministry and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the court said.

If there are multiple tribunals in a district, all the PPs will be included in the committee and the senior most one will coordinate the committee, it added.

Source: unb