DIMAPUR, JUNE 19 (MExN): The Naga Mothers Association has urged the Chief Minister of Nagaland to enable fast track courts in Nagaland, so as to curb down the rising number of crimes against women and children. It stated that the “sentiments of every Naga mother are hurt whenever news is published about the commission of rape on innocent girl children.”
The NMA informed that in most states across the country, crimes against women are referred to fast track courts for speedy trial. It added that states which did not have such courts before have started setting up fast track courts for speedy disposal of cases.
In a representation to the Nagaland Chief Minister, the NMA stated that cases of rape and molestation have become a daily routine in Nagaland and that several such cases are pending in various courts. The representation which was appended by the President of the NMA, Abieu Meru and its Vice President, Sarah Nu said that “the slow legal system in disposing cases is seen as one of the reasons why sexual offenders remain largely unpunished.” It added that the aforementioned scenario also encourages other “like minded criminals to commit similar offences without hesitation.”
The NMA informed that in the wake of the December 16, 2012 Delhi gang rape, the Centre had announced to provide fund for setting up of fast track courts across the country to try rape cases, crime against women, elderly people and children.
This was done to ensure justice to the above sections of society without delay and at affordable cost, it added.
It stated that in January 2013, the Chief Justice of India had notified all high courts to set up fast track courts immediately in order to deal with cases of crimes against women. However, it added that in September 2012, the Nagaland cabinet had approved for the discontinuance of fast track courts scheme in Nagaland. In view of this, the NMA has urged the CM to “review” the cabinet decision in order to ensure that “offences against women and weaker section of the society are taken up early and justice is delivered in time.”
