No More Govt Facilities for Rape, Molestation Convicts, says Haryana Chief Minister

Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar recently announced that people prosecuted in rape and molestation cases shall not be eligible for government facilities, except ration. Government facilities like arms licenses, driving licenses, old age pension and pension for disabled people will be restored if a person is discharged from their charges.

According to news agencies, Khattar said that these services shall remain suspended till the court announces its decision in the case. If the accused is sentenced and convicted, he shall not be eligible for these facilities anymore.

The chief minister also added that financial assistance of Rs 22,000 shall be provided for legal fees if the accused wanted to hire a lawyer of their will.

Khattar also said that provisions will be made for uninterrupted investigation in rape and molestation cases, in all the police stations and that the investigation officer shall have to complete the investigation of any rape case within a month and within 15 days for the molestation cases. If not complied accordingly, action would be taken against the investigation officers.

The CM also added that the state government shall set up six fast-track courts in districts, where molestation and rape cases are pending in the courts. On Independence Day, or on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a comprehensive scheme for the safety of women shall be launched.

He said that he would meet the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court shortly to request them to issue necessary directions to the court to record the statements of a woman on the same day and not to postpone the hearing to any other day.