Special court set up to hear cases of crime against women

In the wake of the Delhi gangrape incident, a special court has been established in the Shivajinagar complex to deal with women-related cases in Pune district. Additional Sessions Judge Sadhana Shinde has been designated as special judge for this court.

The move follows directions of the Bombay High Court for speedy trial of cases related to women.

As many as 500 cases pending in other courts in Pune district have been already transferred to this court. The special court will hear cases of crimes against women, including murder, rape, dowry harassment and kidnapping.

There are already 12 special courts for women in Maharashtra. But after the incident of gangrape in Delhi, the state government decided to start 16 more special courts to deal with crimes against women.

In 2005, a special court had been set up to hear women-related cases. However, it became non-functional after the special judge designated for this court was transferred.

The move to set up a similar court again has been welcomed by the legal fraternity in Pune. Human rights activists and advocate Asim Sarode said: “The special court would certainly help in speedy trials of cases related to women. However, it is not the ultimate solution to the problem of atrocities against women. It needs more gender awareness among men and women.”