SC issues notice to J&K over Kathua rape case after petition to move out trial

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Jammu & Kashmir government on a petition to shift the trial out of the state. The victim's father had filed a plea with the court to transfer the case to Chandigarh. The court has also ordered the government to provide protection to the victim's family and the lawyer. Even as the plea was to be taken up, the trial in the Kathua rape and murder case began at principal district and sessions court in Kathua. All the accused pleaded not guilty. The next date of hearing is April 28.