MHA writes to states, gives two months investigation deadline for sexual assault cases

The Home Ministry has called for a time-bound two months investigation deadline for crimes pertaining to sexual offences. As per the sources, MHA has also said that a comprehensive review and restructuring of the criminal law is required so as to give speedy justice to women, child and weaker sections of the society.

New Delhi: Amid national outrage and protest in several states over rising crime against women, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to states and union territories asking them for a time-bound two-month investigation for sexual offences.

In a letter sent to the chief secretaries of all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, "I would also like to draw your attention to the facility of Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) portal available to the police in your state and UT. ITSSO enables every state and UT to monitor completion of Investigation insidious sexual offences in the prescribed two-months time period."

The ITSSO is based on Crime and Criminal Tracking and Networks System (CCTNS) and the utility of this tool has been adequately highlighted to the states and union territories by the ministry.

While mentioning about an advisory sent by Union Home Ministry to states, Ajay Bhalla said that on May 16, 2019, the MHA had requested states to ensure strict compliance with the provision in law to file "Zero" FIR in event of a cognizable offence, including sexual assault on women.

He further added that it has also been re-iterated that failure in this regard by any police official is a punishable offence. States/UTs were also requested to undertake refresher courses for police personnel on this essential aspect.

The letter sent to the chief secretaries by Home Secretary said, "Safety of women and girls is a high priority for the government. While the government has taken steps to strengthen legislative provisions to deal with such offences in a stringent manner, for effective deterrence it is imperative that the police are easily accessible and is able to deal with any complaint on crime against women in a timely and proactive manner."

Home Secretary recalled states for settling up independent forensic units saying "forensic evidence is critical to the delivery of justice."

He said that all states were requested to review their capacities, identify gaps, and take action for modernization of their Forensic Science Laboratories through the provision of the latest forest equipment and trained manpower, deployment of e-Forensics and other capacity-building activities, ensuring that these Laboratories retain operational independence.