Accused to lose pension, driver’s licence till verdict

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 12

Except for ration, undertrials in crime against women in Haryana will now be debarred from drawing pension on account of old age and physical disability, and from keeping driver’s and arms licences.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced this at a programme on women’s security and empowerment here on Thursday.

“The services will remain suspended till the court announces its verdict. If an accused is convicted, he will not be entitled to government services,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said a comprehensive scheme for the safety and security of women would be launched either on Independence Day or on Raksha Bandhan (August 26).

“In case a rape victim wants to hire a lawyer of her choice except for the one provided by the state government, she will be provided with a financial assistance of Rs 22,000,” Khattar said.

The provision for uninterrupted investigation into cases of rape and eve-teasing would be made in all police stations. “The investigating officer would have to complete the probe into a rape case in a month, and, in eve-teasing, within 15 days. Otherwise, action will be taken against the officer,” Khattar said.

6 fast-track courts to be set up

 Six fast-track courts would be set up in districts where 50 or more cases of rape, eve-teasing and mental harassment are pending in courts. Faridabad will have two courts, while Gurugram, Panipat, Sonepat and Nuh will have one each. “I will shortly meet the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and request him to direct courts to record the statement of a victim on the same day, and not adjourn the hearing to any other day,” CM Manohar Lal Khattar said.