Speedy trial of rape: Govt finalises Women and Children Repression Prevention Act draft

The government has prepared the draft of the amended Women and Children Repression Prevention Act reducing the trial and investigation time of the rape case by half, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said Today (12 March).

The adviser came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting with the anti-rape platform leaders at the Secretariat.

Referring to the government step, Asif said "We held a consultation meeting with all concerned on Monday and Tuesday. I have made a draft of [Amendment to Women and Children Repression Prevention Act] and today we are circulating it to some stakeholders. We will try to ensure strict implementation of the law as soon as possible. I have told them that the trial of rape cases should not only be speedy, but justice should be ensured and fair."

As per the draft law, the investigation period for rape cases is being reduced from 30 days to 15 days and the time for completing the trial is being reduced from 180 days to 90 days, he said.

Besides, a provision is being included in it that if the judge deems it necessary, the case proceedings and investigation can continue based on the medical certificate without the DNA report, said the adviser.

Mentioning the attack on women, Asif said the government has taken a zero tolerance policy against those involved in violence against women.

Asking about the meeting, the adviser said the anti-rape platform leaders demanded speedy trial of the child rape case in Magura.

"We have assured them that police have already collected DNA samples of the accused in the Magura rape on Tuesday. I have told them that we will have a vigil so that justice is done quickly without any delay," he said.

Mentioning the demand of the anti-rape platform leaders to introduce special court for rape cases, the adviser said rape cases are now tried in the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal.

However, there are many other crimes besides rape cases. So there is a backlog, which delays case management.

"I have listened to them and admitted that their demand is logical. It will not be my one's decision. I will raise the issue in the discussion of the Advisory Council and will try my best to explore this matter, whether it can be done. If done, it will be done as soon as possible," he said.

Talking about another demand of the platform over separate cells for preventing sexual harassment in workplace and educational institutions, Asif said, "There is a High Court verdict in this regard. In the light of that verdict, not only in educational institutions and workplaces, but also on the streets, we have promised to make such a comprehensive law. In the light of the High Court verdict, I will try to make the law a little stronger."