A custody debate has flared up between the Chandigarh Administration and National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities over a 19-year-old mentally challenged rape victim. The girl was raped at the Nari Niketan a few months ago.

In a strongly worded letter to the national trust, a statutory body, the UT Administration has reacted sharply to a communication sent by the trust, whereby the latter has informed that a committee has been constituted in order to “discuss and make a roadmap” for the rape victim and her child. In its reply, the Administration has expressed its “surprise” over the letter.

“A ponderous reference to draw up a roadmap is a poor substitute for actual assumption of responsibility of looking after the mother and her unborn child, nor can the responsibility of mother and child be delegated to a committee, however high it may sound,” reads the Administration's reply.

“It appears that the Trust is backtracking from its commitment before the Supreme Court to look after the mother and child. It would be appropriate, if not necessary, that you or your representatives come down to Chandigarh for an overview,” it further reads.

The Administration strongly disapproved the fact that ever since the case was decided by the apex court, no representative of the Trust has come to Chandigarh to meet the rape victim, who is at present in Ashreya.

“Any decision without meeting the victim in person would be obviously impractical,” the Administration has stated.

... contd.