Ranchi, June 9 -- The Jharkhand High Court has issued 19 directions to strengthen protection, rehabilitation and access to justice for victims of sexual violence and POCSO offences, warning that lapses in implementation could invite disciplinary as well as legal action.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar directed the state government, police and concerned authorities to ensure prompt registration of Zero FIRs, time-bound investigations, immediate medical assistance and victim-centric support mechanisms.
The court ordered that statements of women and child victims be recorded by women police personnel and stressed the need for free legal aid, witness protection, temporary shelter, psychological ...