Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Thursday that people accused in rape and molestation cases will not be eligible for government facilities, except ration. All government facilities such as driving licences, arms licences, old age pension and pension for disabled people will be restored if a person is acquitted.
“These services will remain suspended till the court announces its verdict in the case,” Khattar said, according to IANS. “In case the accused is convicted and sentenced, he would not be eligible for these facilities anymore.”
The chief minister added that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 22,000 for legal fees if the complainant wanted to hire a lawyer of their choice.
“Provision of uninterrupted investigation in cases of rape and [harassment] would be made in all police stations,” Khattar said. “The investigation officer would have to complete the investigation into a rape case in one month, and in [harassment] within 15 days, otherwise action would be taken against him.”
He added that the state government will set up six fast-track courts in districts where 50 or more cases of rape and molestation are pending in courts. A comprehensive scheme for the safety and security of women will be launched either on Independence Day or on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which falls on August 26 this year, Khattar said.
“I would shortly meet the chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to request him to issue necessary directions to the court to record the statement of a woman on the same day and not to adjourn the hearing to any other day,” he added.
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