The Madras High Court reprimanded Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun for his handling of the Anna University sexual assault case. The court raised concerns about Arun’s early-stage actions, which included public statements that could compromise the investigation. This criticism coincided with the court’s decision to form an all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an impartial probe into the assault and the subsequent leak of the survivor’s private details.
A vacation bench of Justices S M Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayanan established the SIT, comprising senior IPS officers Bhukya Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and S Brinda. This decision followed public interest litigation petitions advocating for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. Advocate General P S Raman conveyed the Tamil Nadu government’s full support for the SIT’s formation, emphasising its commitment to justice.
Outrage Over FIR Leak
The High Court expressed profound disapproval of the leak of the First Information Report (FIR), which disclosed sensitive personal details of the survivor. Labelling the leak as a “serious breach” of rights, the court directed the state to compensate the survivor with Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, it ordered the state to ensure her continued education at Anna University without any associated costs, as part of its effort to alleviate the trauma and humiliation caused by the mishandling of her case.
The court’s ire was particularly directed at Commissioner Arun’s press conference, where he asserted that the accused, Gnanasekaran, acted alone. Justice Subramaniam questioned the propriety of such statements during an ongoing investigation, warning that they could hinder the investigating officer’s ability to thoroughly examine the case and prosecute all involved parties. “How can the Commissioner conclude the scope of the case at its inception?” the judge asked.
Call for Action Against Commissioner
The Bench instructed the state government to consider initiating appropriate disciplinary measures against Commissioner Arun. It also demanded a detailed report outlining steps to prevent future leaks of sensitive FIRs. The court recorded its shock over the language used in the FIR, describing it as “victim-shaming” and indicative of systemic insensitivity.
Arun defended his department, attributing the FIR leak to a technical glitch and asserting that the accused’s arrest was swift. However, the court remained dissatisfied, highlighting the need for accountability and caution in handling such sensitive cases.
Systemic Failures and Recommendations
Justice Subramaniam lamented the occurrence of sexual assault cases in reputed institutions like Anna University, calling for systemic changes to encourage survivors to report crimes without fear. The court emphasized that societal attitudes must shift to ensure justice and protection for victims.
Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan assured the court that measures were being implemented to improve campus security. These include enhanced CCTV surveillance, clearing overgrown shrubbery, and stricter visitor protocols at Anna University and other educational institutions.
National Commission for Women Intervenes
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also took suo motu cognizance of the case, directing the Tamil Nadu DGP to provide free medical care and protection to the survivor. The NCW called for disciplinary action against officers responsible for disclosing the complainant’s identity.
The Madras High Court’s strong stance underscores the importance of sensitivity and accountability in handling cases of sexual assault. With the formation of the SIT and the court’s directives, it is hoped that the investigation will lead to justice for the survivor while addressing systemic flaws to prevent such incidents in the future.