Unfortunately 'holy India' has become land of rapists, observes Madras High Court judge

While hearing an affidavit filed by a senior advocate who had sought expeditious investigation and arrest of rapists and compensation, care for the victim, Justice Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court observed that “Bhaarathabhoomi (India) a holy land, has become a land of rapists, where rape is happening every 15 minutes”. This comment was in response to a recent case of the gang rape of a migrant laborer in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu and also the unfortunate incidents in the northern parts of the country. 

Senior advocate AP Surya Prakasam had filed the affidavit seeking justice, shelter and care for a 22-year old migrant labourer from Assam, who was gang-raped by five men (allegedly locals) in Palladam, Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. It is being stated that the culprits had told the lady, who was desperate to earn a living, that they would help her in finding a job. 

The advocate urged the court to intervene in the matter and ensure that the impoverished, vulnerable victim be provided food, shelter, necessary medical relief. He added that it was painful how predators were performing heinous acts on migrant workers who travel thousands of miles in search of a livelihood.  

“The Honourable Court may further direct the Director-General of Police Tamil Nadu to constitute a special investigation team under the direct supervision of IG, Coimbatore, and direct the government to provide her monetary assistance under the victim's compensation scheme” the affidavit read. 

It mentioned that she be provided adequate care and assistance to enable her to sustain during the period of investigation and till completion of trial and justice is rendered. 

A bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and P Velmurugan ordered that the relevant authorities provide free treatment, food, shelter, and medical facilities for the victim in Tiruppur and that she be compensated as per the Victim Compensation Act. They also urged the DIG of Police Coimbatore to supervise and monitor the investigation. Justice Velmurugan pointed out that the migrant labourers had no protection as they are often not paid minimum wages and have to manage under extremely poor working conditions.