Police tender apology to HC, submit fresh status report

The court also took note of the submission by police that out of the 66 PCR vans made available for south district, two were under maintenance and eleven condemned. Overall, 74 of 670 PCR vehicles were off road for different reasons. The police told the court that a proposal for repair and replacement of vehicles had been pending with the Home Ministry. The court asked the government to "take remedial measures on urgent basis" and to consider increasing the number of PCR vehicles available.

Additional Solicitor General Rajiv Mehra, appearing on behalf of the Central government, also assured the court that the government will "reassess how patrolling can be increased" and look to increase the role of PCR vans.

The court kept pending a petition related to emergency medical treatment of the victims in the gangrape case after noting that a commission of inquiry had been set up by the government to look into the matter. "We are inclined to wait for the report of the commission so that comprehensive directions can be given in this regard," the bench said. The matter will be heard next on January 31.

Media restraint order challenged in HC

A petition, filed in the High Court by advocate Meenakshi Lekhi on behalf of some journalists, has challenged metropolitan magistrate Namrita Aggarwal's order imposing a ban on media reporting of proceedings in the gangrape case. Lekhi mentioned the petition during the hearing on Thursday but the bench declined to hear it along with the police probe matter. The court registry was asked to post the petition before an appropriate bench on Friday for expeditious hearing.

ALSO READ

Judge says female of species more dangerous, lets off accused

Appeal to HC first, SC tells Talwars

Teachers divided over switch to four-year programme

To clear dues, Shahi Imam seeks Jama Masjid title transfer