Srinagar, Jan 9: Chief Justice, MM Kumar will inaugurate maiden fast track court on Thursday to hear cases relating to sexual offences against women in the summer capital.
 The fast track court will be inaugurated through video-conference in the office of District Development Commissioner (DDC) Srinagar. Among others, Principal District and Session Judge Srinagar, Muhammad Shafi Khan will be present on the occasion.
 While the Court will function from Saddar court complex here, a Session’s judge will preside over it. According to official figures, 19 rapes cases were registered in 2012 in Srinagar City alone.
 The fast track court is being inaugurated at a time when people in every nook and corner are harbouring resentment against the growing incidents of sexual offences against the women.
 Chief Justice of India (CJI) Altamas Kabir on January 7 directed the State High Courts to set up more fast-track courts for speedy disposal of cases of offences against women.
 The CJI has advocated speedy trial in the December 16 gang-rape case, saying, “the delay in commencement of trials could be one of the factors behind rising cases of crimes against women.”
 The Jammu and Kashmir government has already invited suggestions from jurists, legal experts and the people conversant with the Criminal Justice System to take a decision on the vital issue of setting up of the fast track courts to deal with the sexual crimes against the women in the state.
 Before the budget session of the Legislative Assembly, the government will complete all the requisite formalities to bring proposed amendments in the law.
 Legal experts hold a view that the massive amendments are needed in the Ranbir Penal Code to make the laws on sexual offences against woman more effective and vibrant.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST