The Supreme Court orders NJA to frame guidelines for judges’ approach in cases of sexual offences and other sensitive matters. The court stressed that these guidelines must prioritize victims and complainants, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
The Bhopal-based National Judicial Academy, under Justice (retired) Aniruddha Bose, will form a committee of experts to draft recommendations. The committee will study previous measures, consult legal and social experts, and consider the challenges faced by victims in accessing justice. The aim is to inculcate sensitivity, compassion, and understanding into judicial processes.
The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and N V Anjaria highlighted that judges must be aware of the trauma faced by complainants. The draft guidelines should use simple and clear language so victims can fully communicate their experiences, avoiding complex legal or foreign terminology.
These directions came while disposing of a suo motu plea in which the Supreme Court overruled an Allahabad High Court judgment, clarifying that attempted sexual assault is a serious offence. The apex court emphasized that judicial decisions must reflect fairness, humanity, and sensitivity toward victims.
The Supreme Court orders NJA to frame guidelines for judges’ approach, marking a major step to strengthen judicial awareness and ensure compassionate handling of sensitive cases.
