Bombay HC Calls for SOP Committee on Minor Sexual Assault Cases

The Bombay High Court proposed forming a committee led by former officials to develop Standard Operating Procedures for police, hospitals, and schools in handling sexual assault cases involving minors. The bench criticized the existing investigation methods and emphasized the need for detailed and proper documentation.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday proposed the creation of a committee to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for police, hospitals, and schools investigating sexual assault cases involving minors.

During the hearing of the Badlapur minors' sexual assault case, Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan suggested retired IPS officer Meera Borwankar, former Bombay High Court Judge Sadhana Jadhav, and Shalini Phasalkar Joshi for the committee.

The bench expressed serious concern over flaws in the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act related to the case.

The court adjourned the hearing of the Badlapur case until October 1. Justice Chavan criticized the stereotyped method of writing the case diary for the investigation, emphasizing that it should detail steps taken in the investigation and the pursuit of the absconding accused.

Addressing forensic department vacancies, Advocate General Birendra Saraf mentioned ongoing efforts to clear the backlog by hiring on contract. Saraf also addressed concerns about the Test Identification Parade (TIP) causing trauma for victims and their families.

On August 31, a Thane Court permitted the Special Investigating Team to conduct a TIP of the accused, resulting in their identification by the victims. The accused's psychological profile is being developed for further investigation.

The case relates to an alleged incident of sexual assault on two four-year-olds at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra, igniting a call for systematic improvements in handling such sensitive cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)