MUMBAI: To ensure that no rapist walks free as a result of prosecution inexpertness, the Maharashtra government has decided to provide, at its expense, every sexual assault victim with a lawyer of her preference.
Home minister R R Patil said on Monday the choice will not be restricted to the panel of government attorneys, but will include private lawyers.
Ineffectual prosecution has, indeed, been blamed by many for the poor conviction rate in cases of offences against women in Maharashtra.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 20,576 men were undergoing trial in 2011 in the state on the charge of raping women. But, by the year’s end, a mere 268 of them were convicted.
With the latest measure, the administration hopes to amend such statistics.
Already, in the wake of the gangrape of a paramedical student in Delhi, it has announced a rash of moves to curb crimes on women. Among its promises have been recruitment of 20,000 women into the police force and earmarking of 25 of the 100 fast-track courts for time-bound disposal of trials in cases of serious sexual offences.
A senior IPS official welcomed the latest state measure, but added that more is needed. The high-ranking policeman suggested that the state also take steps to improve coordination between the police and prosecution to achieve a better conviction rate in rape cases. (Agencies)
