The Punjab and Haryana High Court took suo motu cognisance of an incident where an elderly woman was reportedly paraded semi-naked on the streets of Punjab's Tarn Taran district by her son's in-laws. [Court on its own motion v State]According to news reports, the 55-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted and paraded semi-naked on March 31 by the in-laws of her son after the couple got married against their wishes.After a video of the incident went viral, the administrative judge of the area forwarded a detailed note to the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court.The Bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji noted that when the victim and her family members approached the local police to file a complaint, no attention was given to them.Only after the video surfaced on social media did the police take action and register a formal first information report (FIR) on April 3 under Section 354 (outraging modesty) under the Indian Penal Code.As of April 6, out of the five named accused, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.The note sent by the administrative judge to the High Court stated the following:"I am of the considered opinion that cognizance of this incident is required to be taken up suo-motu on Judicial side, because the High Court cannot be a mute spectator such like incidents, where the respect and modesty of a lady is outraged openly, and despite taking required steps, the police and other concerned authorities shows or adopts a lackluster attitude and not initiated prompt action."During the hearing on April 8, the Court directed the State to submit a reply and scheduled the next hearing for April 30.
TAGS: Punjab and Haryana High Court suo motu cognisance Tarn Taran district elderly woman
