Heed victim plea to wed rapist: CJI

The CJI made the observation even as the minister of state for women and child welfare, Ms Krishna Tirath, in her inaugural address announced the government’s determination to implement the 2005 rehabilitation scheme for rape victims under which compensation could go up to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh.

The CJI also sought to debunk the argument that “high mobility” of women in the modern times was one of the primary cause for increase in rape cases.

“I do not agree with this proposition. Because it is the task of the criminal justice system to prevent and punish the culprits,” he observed.

The law minister, Mr M. Veerappa Moily, lamented that the justice delivery system was more “accused-centric” and the victim felt isolated. He said the accused is even provided with a counsel to defend himself but there were few provisions to assess and protect the victims. He said the Centre was focusing on rehabilitation of victims.

The Chief Justice, meanwhile, said the records of collegium meetings to appoint or elevate judges were not kept as any written material may jeopardise career prospects of a candidate. The CJI’s remark came against the backdrop of attempts to bring the records of promotion and appointment of judges in the higher judiciary in public domain by invoking the RTI Act.