As a fallout of the Ruchika molestation case, trials in all sexual offences, including rape, will now be completed within two months as far as possible and all victims will have the right to appeal against a court order, under new amendments to CrPC.
The amendments which came into effect
on Thursday would come as a big relief to complainants as till now only the
state could file an appeal against an order.
A statement on key amendments released by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said that victims will now be allowed
to engage an advocate to assist the prosecution.
It also prescribes that the statement of a victim of rape shall be recorded at her residence and as far as practicable,
by a woman police officer in the presence of the victim's parents or guardian, or a social worker.
The amendments also enable recording of statements or confessions by audio-video electronic means.
It also stipulates that the trial of an offence under Sections 376 (rape) to 376D IPC (entire section deals with
sexual offences) shall, as far as possible, be completed within two months.
The amendment also incorporates a new Section 357A obliging every state government to prepare a scheme for providing funds for compensating the victim of a crime or his dependents besides providing for execution of bond by a person seeking bail pending an appeal.