Protestors during the rally organised by the YWO in Shamator on June 29.
Shamator, June 29 (MExN): The Yimkhiung Women Organization (YWO) on Monday organised rallies at Shamator headquarters, Pungro Town and Chessore Town to protest the delay in the trial of a sexual harassment case involving IAS officer Reny Wilfred.
Following the rallies, the organisation submitted a representation addressed to the Commissioner, Nagaland, through the Deputy Commissioner of Shamator, urging expeditious trial and early delivery of justice.
In the representation, the YWO sought immediate intervention in what it described as the delayed progress of the criminal case arising from allegations of serial sexual harassment and molestation of one of its members and other women.
Referring to the case registered under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and subsequent proceedings at the State Crime Police Station, the organisation stated that "despite the gravity of the offence, the trial is in a very slow progress thereby leaving the accused person unpunished venturing with full protection and liberty which is abhorrent to the established rule and law."
The representation further stated that the prolonged delay has left the victim's “longsuffering faith in state law enforcing agency... utterly shattered, causing continued mental trauma and social stigma."
It also expressed concern that continued delays could affect the integrity of the case, stating that “delay increases every possibility of intimidation of witnesses and hampering of evidences as accused being highly influential and designated person in the society."
Calling sexual offences against women "heinous crime," the organisation maintained that "delaying justice erodes public faith in the criminal justice system and embolden perpetrators."
The YWO appealed to the Commissioner to take immediate cognisance of the matter and “ensure that justice is not delayed.”
