The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad HC on Thursday has taken Suo-moto cognizance of the Hathras gang rape case stating “The Incidents which took place after the death of the victim have shocked our conscience” therefore taking Suo-moto cognizance of the case.
The Bench of Justice Jaspreet Singh and Ranjan Roy issued summons to the state functionaries of Uttar Pradesh including: Additional Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary (Home), Director General of Police, Additional Director General Law and Order besides Hathras District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police asking them to be present before the courts on the date of next hearing, which is on October 12th.
The summoned state functionaries were asked to put forth their version of the case with supporting material and to appraise the court regarding the status of investigation on the next date of hearing on October 12.
The Bench also asked the family members of the victim to be present at court that day to appraise it of their version of the incident and ordered the district administration of Hathras to arrange for their travel to the court.
In the meanwhile, the court specifically set out:
“The State Authorities are directed to ensure that no coercion, influence or pressure is exerted upon the family members of the deceased in any manner, by anyone.”
Further, Senior Advocate Jaideep Narain Mathur and Advocate Abhinav Bhattachary have been appointed as Amicus Curiae to assist the court in the matter.
