Check how well women are protected: Court to DCW

A Delhi court has asked statutory authorities — set up to protect the rights of women and children — to run a reality check and test the efficacy of the criminal justice system in curbing crimes against the two sections and to make extra efforts to safeguard their interests.

A Delhi court has asked statutory authorities — set up to protect the rights of women and children — to run a reality check and test the efficacy of the criminal justice system in curbing crimes against the two sections and to make extra efforts to safeguard their interests.

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Additional sessions judge Santosh Snehi Mann asked the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) to make additional efforts — beyond what is being done by police and other law enforcing agencies.

She also expressed dismay over acquittal of a pimp involved in pushing a minor girl into flesh trade, due to paucity of evidence.

“It is high time that the various statutory authorities constituted to protect the rights of minor girls and children against sexual exploitation do a reality check about the success rate of criminal prosecutions for sexual abuse and exploitation of minor girls. They should identify the cause for failure of prosecution and take effective steps within their jurisdiction,” said ASJ Mann.

She also directed that court orders be sent to DCW and DCPCR for follow-up actions.

“It is directed that a copy of this judgement be sent to the chairpersons of DCW and the DCPCR for information and indulgence,” she said.

The court’s observations came after its verdict that let off Khanpur resident Irfan, accused of selling a minor girl for the purpose of prostitution.

The court had to acquit him due to the prosecution’s failure to produce the victim and her husband before it. The judge also directed the Delhi Police commissioner to take necessary actions on lapses in the investigation by the police and its failure in producing the victim, a child witness, before the court during the trial.