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The Madras High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the sexual harassment of a student on the Anna University campus. The court also directed that the state government should pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the victim for exposing her identity and causing mental trauma.
Special instructions for mental health and education
The High Court has directed the university to provide necessary psychological support to the victim to recover from the mental trauma. Along with this, orders were also given to provide him free education and hostel facilities. The court directed the police to ensure the safety of the victim and her family.
Police reprimanded on FIR leak
The High Court on the leak of FIR, Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun was severely reprimanded. After the contents of the FIR became public, the identity of the victim was exposed, due to which she suffered deep mental trauma. The court termed it a serious mistake by the police.
SIT investigation ordered
The High Court assigned the SIT investigation to a team of three women IPS officers—Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and Brinda. This team will not only have to investigate the case of sexual harassment, but will also have to investigate the matter of leaking of FIR.
‘Women’s safety is the responsibility of the state and society’
During the hearing of the case, a bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayana stressed the importance of women’s safety. He said,
“It is the duty of both the state and society to protect women. The victim had to suffer embarrassment and mental pain due to the leaking of the FIR. This is unfortunate and reflects society’s prejudice towards women.”
Violation of Article 21 of the Constitution
The court found that the contents of the FIR violated the victim’s right to dignity and privacy, which is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court said that it is the responsibility of the society to give women the right to live a life with dignity.
‘Society has to change’
The court said,
“Society needs to understand that a woman is free to dress as she wants, go out alone, or interact with men. “It should not be a cause of embarrassment or criticism.”
Question on SHO’s responsibility
The Court also said that it was the duty of the SHO to help the victim and assist her in registering the FIR. The Court commented on this,
“Is it not the duty of the police to provide all possible help to the victim in such circumstances? This is a serious flaw in the system.”
