Bilaspur: Historic changes are set to take place regarding the functioning of the state’s courts, the language used in judgments, and the drafting of police FIRs. Following historic guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, detailed handbooks and orders have been released for the state’s courts and administration. Copies of the order have been sent to all 24 District and Sessions Courts, the State Judicial Academy, State and District Legal Services Authorities, the Chief Secretary, the Home Department, the DGP, and the Department of Women and Child Development, with instructions to ensure immediate compliance.
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of insensitive and objectionable remarks made during a criminal revision case in the Allahabad High Court. Subsequently, a five-member high-level committee headed by retired Justice Aniruddha Bose was constituted. The Supreme Court has ordered the mandatory implementation of the committee’s report—titled “Judgment and Gender: Sensitivity and Compassion in Writing Judgments”—across all courts in the country. Sensitive terminology will now replace outdated and derogatory terms such as “mistress” (rakhail) and “characterless” (charitraheen). Witnesses will be accorded the status of “guests.”
Five New Measures Established
- Witnesses to be accorded the status of ‘guests’ in courts: Victims and witnesses appearing in court should not be subjected to harassment by being made to wait for hours. In accordance with Supreme Court directives, they must be provided with seating, water, and a respectful environment within the court premises.
- Language of FIRs and charge sheets to change: Instructions have been issued to the DGP to completely stop the use of stereotypical and offensive language regarding a woman’s attire, conduct, or character when registering FIRs or drafting charge sheets at police stations.
- In-camera trials and support persons: Hearings for sexual offenses and POCSO cases will be conducted in-camera (in a closed room). The identity of the victim will be kept completely confidential. 4. Training for Judges and Police Officers: The Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy in Bilaspur has been entrusted with the responsibility of organizing special orientation and sensitization workshops for all judicial officers, public prosecutors, and police officials.
- Immediate Interim Compensation for Victims: Instructions have been issued to provide prompt interim relief and rehabilitation assistance to victims of sexual assault and acid attacks through District Legal Services Authorities, in accordance with the NALSA Victim Compensation Scheme 2018.
Initiative to Uphold the Dignity of Victims in Courts and Police Stations
Outdated and insensitive language was being used in cases involving sexual offenses across the judicial system, from lower courts to the High Courts. Victims often faced mental harassment in courts and police stations through questions regarding their clothing, character, or personal lives—practices that deterred many from filing complaints. Furthermore, terms implying lust or portraying the woman as helpless tended to downplay the gravity of the crime.
To ensure the justice system is sensitive, dignified, free from fear, and victim-centric, the Supreme Court has prohibited the use of such stereotypical language—spanning from the FIR stage to the final judgment—and has mandated the use of appropriate and respectful terminology.
