Examine the recent guidelines of the Home Ministry on SOP to be followed in cases of Crimes against Women.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently issue guidelines to all states to take strict action in cases of crimes against women and adhere strictly to guidelines for dealing with such cases.

The important guidelines of MHA are as follows –

• The MHA said under Section 173 of Code of Criminal Procedure provides for completion of investigation in rape cases within two months.
• The Ministry reiterated that the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, provides that the statement, written or verbal, by a person who is dead shall be treated as relevant fact in the investigation.
• In order to facilitate the State police to monitor compliance, in this regard MHA has provided an online portal called Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) for monitoring the same.
• MHA reminded the States regarding compulsory registration of FIR in cases of cognizable offences.
• Under guidelines, it is stated that the law enables the police to register FIR or a ‘Zero FIR’ (in case the crime is committed outside the jurisdiction of police station) in the event of receipt of information on commission of a cognizable offence, which includes cases of sexual assault on women.
• Section 166 A(c) of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC) provides for punishment to a public servant for failure to record FIR in relation to cognizable offences including cases of sexual assault.
• Section 166 A(c) of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC) provides for punishment to a public servant for failure to record FIR in relation to cognizable offences including cases of sexual assault
• States to adhere to the guidelines issued by Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) for collection, preservation and transportation of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases.

The need of the hour is to adhere to this requirements in its totality without any lapses, only then justice will be delivered in its true sense.