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Smruti Tukaram Badade V. State of Maharashtra & Anr.
The Court recognised the need and importance of setting up facilities that create a safe environment for recording the evidence of vulnerable witnesses. It provided directions for the setting up of centres for vulnerable witnesses (including minors). It was clarified that the definition of “vulnerable witness” contained in Clause 3(a) of the ‘Guidelines for Recording…
Pincites Para 5; Pages 2, 3 Read case : Smruti Tukaram Badade V. State of Maharashtra & Anr. -
Eera Vs. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) and Ors.
The Court held that the sanguine purpose is to safeguard the interest and well-being of the children at every stage of the judicial proceeding. It should provide for a child-friendly procedure and the atmosphere as commanded by the provisions of the POSCO Act has to be congenial. The protection of the dignity of the child…
Pincites Para 23; Page 23 Read case : Eera Vs. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) and Ors. -
In Re Children in Street Situation
The Court recognized the difficulties of survivors of trafficking with respect to travelling long distances for the purpose of giving evidence in trial courts, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic and adopted a Standard Operating Procedure (‘SOP’) for the effective recording of the child’s testimony through video conference. The SOP suggested that testimony of children, who…
Pincites Para 4 and 9; Page 4, 5 and 7 Read case : In Re Children in Street Situation -
Sakshi v Union of India
The Supreme Court issued directions for vulnerable witnesses in cases of sexual assault. The guidelines state that in holding a trial in the case of child sex abuse or rape: (i) a screen or some such arrangements may be made where the victim or witnesses do not see the body or face of the accused;…
Pincites Para 34; Page 28 Read case : Sakshi v Union of India -
State of Maharashtra v Bandu @ Daulat
The court reiterated the guidelines laid down in Sakshi v Union of India and mandated their implementation by January 2018. It emphasized the necessity of creating a conducive environment for vulnerable witnesses to provide their statements with special guidelines for child survivors of sexual abuse. It directed that special centres for the examination of vulnerable…
Pincites Para 11, 12; Page 3, 4 Read case : State of Maharashtra v Bandu @ Daulat -
Atul Gorakhnath Ambale v. State of Maharashtra
The court took note of the problem of long delays in recording testimonies of child survivors and the adverse effects it has on the child and the prosecution’s case. In light of these observations, the court framed and issued guidelines to be followed to ensure expeditious recording of testimonies of child survivors. The court stressed…
Pincites Para 11 - 15; Page 2 - 5 Read case : Atul Gorakhnath Ambale v. State of Maharashtra