The youngest convict in the December 16 gang rape was released on Sunday and has now been moved to the care and protection of an NGO at an undisclosed location.
The release of the youth (now 20) comes even as Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal moved a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court opposing it. A Vacation Bench of the apex court will take up the petition on Monday. Ms. Maliwal also wrote to the Juvenile Justice Board asking it to delay the release.
Sparks outrageThe decision fuelled a strong backlash from the victim’s parents and others who staged a protest at India Gate, the same venue that witnessed massive outrage in the immediate aftermath of the incident three years ago. The victim’s parents, along with some other protesters, were later detained by the police.
Asha Devi, the victim’s mother, who went on a dharna at Rajpath, said: “What is the point of all the court hearings in these three years if the juvenile convict had to be released. I want justice. He should not be released.”
“The police have been following us everywhere. What is the meaning of democracy if we are not allowed to protest peacefully?” questioned Badrinath Singh, father of the victim. The Delhi Police had imposed Section 144 around India Gate.
In accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Rules, an individual care plan has to be developed for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the child.
“This is what necessitated the involvement of the NGO as the complete rehabilitation plan was not ready with State Government’s Women and Child Development Department,” said a source.
