Tripura High Court: The Division Bench of Akil Kureshi, CJ. and S. Talapatra, J., suo motu took cognizance of untimely death of a young married lady which was preceded by some unfortunate incidents of the village people gathering and humiliating her for her alleged extra marital activities.
While the PIL was pending the husband of the lady had also committed suicide and these two instances were clubbed together for further investigation. The Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the same. The SIT submitted its report on 14-07-2021 which includes detailed steps painstakingly undertaken by the Investigating Officers under the supervision and guidance of senior members of the SIT. The report suggested that investigation was at an advanced stage and very shortly the SIT would be in a position to submit its final report before the concerned Court. During such investigation, the SIT has also added certain offences against persons already joined as accused.
The Court withdrawing from the issue stated that it was satisfied with investigation carried out by the SIT and the normal criminal justice delivery system should take over.
In order to make sure that the issues reach finality soon the Court issued certain directions:
- As assured by the SIT in its report dated 14.07.2021, let the final report upon completion of investigation be submitted before the concerned Court.
- Upon such report being submitted, the concerned Courts shall thereafter proceed in accordance with law.
- If charge-sheets are filed against any of the accused, we expect that the entire trial would be completed within a period of six months from the date the corona related restrictions on the functioning of the Courts are lifted.
[Court on its own motion In Re.,, 2021 SCC OnLine Tri 353, decided on 16-07-2021]
*Suchita Shukla, Editorial Assistant has reported this brief.