Assam: CM Sarma Urges State’s Judiciary To Expedite Justice For Women Victims

Chief Minister Sarma urged district judges and magistrates to set up fast-track courts for high-profile cases involving crimes against women

At a time when people across India including Assam are hitting the streets demanding timely justice for rape victims and in cases of crime against women, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on the state’s judiciary to expedite justice for women victims.

Speaking at the 150th-anniversary celebration of the District Bar Association in Silchar today, Chief Minister Sarma emphasised the urgent need for swift legal proceedings in such sensitive cases.

In his address to judges and advocates, Chief Minister Sarma urged district judges and magistrates to set up fast-track courts for high-profile cases involving crimes against women.

He highlighted the importance of leveraging the new Nyaya Samhita and its provisions to ensure the timely resolution of cases.

Chief Minister Sarma noted growing public frustration over prolonged case pendency, which he warned could lead to demands for immediate justice and, in some instances, mob violence.

“Delayed justice fosters frustration in society, leading to demands for instant justice,” he cautioned.

To address this issue, Chief Minister Sarma proposed a streamlined approach to judicial proceedings.

Speaking further, he suggested that if lower courts deliver judgments within a year, appeals could be resolved by the High Court within three months, with the Supreme Court settling them within an additional one to two months.

“A complete judicial cycle of one and a half years would prevent the public from resorting to immediate, extrajudicial measures,” the Chief Minister explained.

The Chief Minister also tackled the issue of case adjournments, urging the legal community to minimise delays, especially in cases of rape, molestation, and other crimes against women.

“When dealing with serious cases like rape and crimes against women, adjournments of cases should be avoided. While adjournments for other cases may be permissible, such serious matters should be prioritised,” Chief Minister Sarma stressed.

Chief Minister Sarma referenced recent high-profile incidents, including those at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata and Dhing in Nagaon, to underscore the urgency of his call for faster justice.

He observed that public dissatisfaction is growing due to accusations of default bail for suspects and lengthy trial durations, which erode trust in the justice system.

According to the Department of Justice, Government of India, the establishment and operation of fast-track courts (FTCs) are the responsibility of state governments in consultation with their respective High Courts.

Also Read: Assam rape horror continues, 2 arrested for raping a 14 year old minor girl

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