CJI directs panel to accept sexual assault complaints from women protesters

The Chief Justice of India has directed that a probe panel established to examine allegations arising from recent protest violence will accept sexual assault complaints filed by women protesters against police personnel.

The clarification emerged during an oral hearing in court when senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised the issue of ensuring a gender-sensitive mechanism for women demonstrators to register complaints and pursue legal action against police officers involved in the protest incidents.

Gupta emphasized that women protesters require a separate, dedicated channel to file complaints alleging sexual misconduct, recognizing the particular vulnerabilities and sensitivities involved in such cases. She underscored the need for the inquiry process to be equipped to handle such allegations with appropriate care and attention.

The Court's response affirms that the existing probe panel possesses the authority and responsibility to receive and process such complaints from female protesters. The direction ensures that women who experienced or witnessed alleged sexual assault during the protest violence have a formal avenue to seek redressal and pursue accountability.

The development underscores the judiciary's recognition of the need for gender-sensitive complaint mechanisms in cases involving protest-related incidents and allegations of police misconduct.