Madras HC forms SIT to probe Anna University sexual assault case, orders Rs 25 lakh compensation to survivor

Chennai: The Madras High Court, in a special sitting on Saturday, formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising women IPS officers to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a second-year engineering student on the Anna University campus earlier this week.

The division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice V Lakshminarayanan criticised lapses by the police and university authorities, prompting the decision to establish the SIT. The court rejected requests for a CBI probe, stating that an independent and competent team could effectively handle the investigation, reported LiveLaw.

The court expressed serious concern over the leaking of the First Information Report (FIR), which included the victim’s personal details, terming it a significant failure by the police. It highlighted the trauma caused to the victim and her family due to this breach and directed the State to pay an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the victim. The court stated that the amount could be recovered from those responsible for the dereliction of duty.

The court commended the victim for her bravery in reporting the incident and ordered Anna University to provide her with counselling and waive all fees, including tuition, hostel, and exam fees, to ensure she could complete her education without financial burden. Additionally, the Director General of Police was instructed to provide interim protection to the victim and her family.

Criticising the police, the court condemned the insensitive language used in the FIR, which it said amounted to victim-blaming. It emphasized the importance of drafting FIRs sensitively, particularly in cases involving young victims, and stressed the need for immediate counselling support at the time of filing complaints. The bench underscored that victim-blaming perpetuates societal biases and benefits perpetrators.

The court also rebuked the Chennai Police Commissioner for holding a press conference on the case without government authorisation. It deemed the action inappropriate and urged the government to take necessary steps to address this breach of protocol.