Kochi: Kerala High Court has come to the rescue of a woman subjected to rape, directing the trial court to record the evidence of witnesses as soon as possible so that she can enter into wedlock and lead a blissful life. The court held that the court should take steps to record evidence of rape survivors as early possible and end their misery. "Calling upon a victim of rape to state her version of a gory incident, while she is on the verge of setting up a new life should be avoided as far as possible," the court held.
The court held that the person, already engaged to marry, definitely is entitled to have her evidence recorded expeditiously. "Having considered facts and circumstances, on pure humanitarian consideration and to secure the interest of justice, the sessions court is directed to issue summons to witness number 1 to 3 and take all steps to record the evidence of witnesses as early as possible," the court held.
The court issued the order on a petition seeking to expedite the trial in a case booked under section 376 (rape) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of IPC. The girl submitted before the court that she is getting married and the trial proceedings may be completed as early as possible. She dreads going back to give evidence after marriage. The prosecution has cited 13 witnesses.
