Introduction:

In a distressing incident near Dumka, Jharkhand, a 45-year-old Spanish tourist was sexually assaulted while on a motorbike tour with her husband. The Jharkhand High Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar, has taken suo moto cognizance of the case, highlighting the potential national and international repercussions such crimes could have on India’s image and tourism economy. The court expressed concern over the handling of the case and directed the Director General Of Police, Government Of Jharkhand, to file a response by 7th March 2024.

Arguments:

The court raised questions regarding the provision of a translator for the Spanish-speaking victim and emphasized the need for a detailed report on the progress of the investigation. The bench considered the gravity of the situation, taking note of news reports from various sources and acknowledging the steps taken by the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority to assist the victim. The court also referred to a previous suo motu petition highlighting widespread incidents of crime against women, indicating a broader context.

Court’s Judgement:

Taking suo motu cognizance, the court directed the registry to institute a writ petition, listing key government officials as party-respondents, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Superintendent of Police in Dumka. The court posted the matter for further hearing on 7th March 2024. The order underscores the urgency of the situation and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive response from the authorities.