High Court Acts Promptly on WhatsApp Message
In a swift and decisive move, the Allahabad High Court has taken Suo moto cognizance of a horrifying incident involving the brutal attack on a female police officer (‘X’) while she was on duty on the Saryu Express during the night of August 30-31. This proactive action was initiated based on a WhatsApp message received by Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker.
Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker swiftly convened a bench, alongside Justice Ashutosh Srivastava, at his residence on the evening of September 3rd at 8:00 PM, following the receipt of the concerning message.
Shocking State of the Victim
The bench was apprised of the shocking condition in which the police officer was found. ‘X’ was discovered in a deplorable state, lying in a pool of blood, incapacitated, with a deep facial wound and various other injuries. The incident came to light when passengers who had boarded the Saryu Express at approximately 4:00 AM reported it.
Legal Advocacy for the Victim
Advocate Ram Kaushik, representing the victim (‘prosecutrix’), argued that although an FIR had been registered under Sections 332, 353, and 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on a complaint filed by ‘X’s’ brother, given the severity of her physical condition, Sections 376/376D IPC should also have been included in the FIR.
Failure to Ensure Passenger Safety
Kaushik raised concerns about the Indian Railways’ failure to implement security and safety measures for women passengers. He contended that the Railway Protection Force had neglected its duty to enforce passenger protection rules, indicating a clear violation of certain provisions of the Indian Railways Act.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Court has issued notices to several key authorities, including the Railway Secretary, Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF), UP government Secretary (Home), and UP State Commission for Women.
Immediate Action Demanded
The Court has also ordered the state to produce the case diary and directed the Investigation Officer to appear before it promptly at 12:00 Noon today, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Legal Representatives Present
During the proceedings, Advocate Ram Kaushik represented the prosecutrix, while Sri Manish Goyal, Additional Advocate General, along with Sri A.K. Sand, Government Advocate, Sri J.K. Upadhyay, AGA-I, and Sri Amit Sinha, AGA-I, appeared on behalf of the State.
In summary, the Allahabad High Court’s prompt response to the brutal attack on a woman cop demonstrates a commitment to ensuring justice and safety for women in public service and transportation. The court’s actions have highlighted the need for improved security measures and the strict enforcement of laws to protect passengers on Indian Railways.
