Voice raised in legislature for reform of legal system

Reform legal system for timely justice: Karat on Ruchika case New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI) Expressing concern over delay in delivering justice in the Ruchika molestation case, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Brinda Karat on Tuesday said the legal system had ''infirmities'' and it should be reformed so that timely justice can be given to those seeking it. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Karat said that former DGP of Haryana S P S Rathore, who allegedly molested 14-year-old budding tennis player Ruchika in 1990 and has now been handed out only six months of rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of the charge, continued to be rewarded with promotions, even as the girl suffered. "Our judicial system has infirmities... The culprit was rewarded with promotions even as Ruchika's brother was beaten up and false cases were registered against him. It was the courage of Ruchika's friend Aradhana and Aradhana's parents who took the case forward and refused to cow down under pressure," Karat said. The CPI(M) leader appealed to the Law Minister and Home Minister (both of whom were present in the House), "to reform the judicial system to give fast track justice to those who suffer. I also request the government to give a reward to the family of Ruchika's friend Aradhana and her parents, who fought for justice on behalf of the girl". Ruchika had committed suicide in 1993 after being frustrated by delayed justice and alleged harrassment of her family by the authorities. As Karat spoke, cries of "Shame, Shame!" could be heard from the members and the moment she concluded, the entire House associated itself with the statement. Rathore was allowed bail by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court special judge J.S. Sidhu immediately after his sentencing. The former DGP can now appeal before a higher court against the CBI court order. Sources close to Rathore said he would appeal against his sentencing. Earlier, Congress member Prabha Thakur raised the issue of alleged gangrape of a minor girl in Kanpur, which she claimed, was being suppressed by the police and the girl's parents are being reportedly harassed by the authorities. Thakur said that she recently visited the girl who is admitted in a hospital in Kanpur. "Neither the junior doctors nor the senior doctors explained the line of treatment being given to her. When I returned, the girl was shifted to ICU," she said. "In a state being run by a woman CM, it is a matter of concern that percentage of crime against women is so high. Even the medical authorities in Kanpur said that no rape had been committed on the girl. I therefore appeal for justice to be meted out in the matter," she said.

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