The Madras High Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sexual assault of a 19-year-old Anna University student and directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to the victim. The Court expressed severe criticism of the police for revealing the victim’s details in the First Information Report (FIR) published on the police website.
Court Denounces Victim Blaming in FIR
A Bench of Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice V Lakshminarayan took serious note of the victim-blaming tone in the FIR. “Have you read the FIR? It is an example of victim blaming,” the Bench said, terming the language “deplorable and misogynistic.”
“The Constitution doesn’t differentiate between men and women, and society must feel ashamed to put down women,” the Court observed. It further noted that the victim’s right to dignity and bodily autonomy, as protected under Article 21, was breached by the insensitive handling of the case.
Police and State Accountability Questioned
The Court rejected Advocate General (AG) PS Raman’s explanation that the FIR leak was due to a technical glitch during the transition from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). “Your argument on the computer glitch due to the migration from IPC to BNS doesn’t hold water. BNS came into effect in July. In these five months, how many sensitive FIRs have been uploaded?” the Bench remarked.
The Court also criticized the Chennai Police Commissioner for publicly stating that only one accused was involved, warning that such remarks could “cloud the judgment of the Investigating Officer.” The State was directed to examine whether the Commissioner’s actions violated any rules.
Protecting the Victim’s Future
Emphasizing the victim’s welfare, the Court directed Anna University to waive all her future fees and ensure she continues her education without any further distress. “She must not suffer anymore. She must continue her studies,” the Bench stated.
The University informed the Court that a permanent committee had been constituted to enhance campus safety and preventive measures.
Call for Social Change
The Court delivered a powerful message to society, highlighting the importance of gender equality and women’s safety. “A woman must rise above societal stigma. It was never her fault, only the society’s that judged her,” it said.
Next Steps
The SIT, comprising three IPS officers, will now lead the investigation into the case. The Court has also directed the police to provide protection to the victim and her family.
The case has sparked a broader discussion about victim-blaming, media responsibility, and the role of authorities in ensuring justice and dignity for survivors of sexual assault.
