It is heartening to note that at least in Delhi, some progress has been made with the setting up of special courts for vulnerable witnesses (“For a victim-centric approach,” Sept. 18). This must be emulated by courts everywhere in the country so that not only is justice done but it is also seen to be done. What rape survivors need is a court that sees the case in its entire perspective. An insensitively conducted trial is doubly discriminatory.
Ashutosh Tripathi,Ghaziabad
Rapes that involve poor women and children especially highlight their vulnerability. Lack of physical strength and an inability to counter the perpetrator make them victims twice over. In such cases, incidents of rape often go unreported either due to poverty, a lack of awareness on whom to approach and what to do, the fear of social stigma and an intimidating system in the form of the police, lawyers and the legal system.
Vineela Rongali,Visakhapatnam
There is no reason why courts should demand exaggerated deference from the people and persist with outdated procedures that intimidate vulnerable sections such as rape victims. After all, judges and lawyers are also a part of society and equally accountable to the people in the performance of their duties. It is better that closed-door rape trials are videographed and periodically reviewed by members of the higher judiciary.
V.N. Mukundarajan,Thiruvananthapuram
