While directing the Uttar Pradesh govt to file an affidavit about the steps taken to protect the witnesses in the case and also inform if the victim’s family chosen a lawyer, the Supreme Court termed the Hathras gangrape ‘horrible’ and ‘shocking’.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising who appeared on behalf of some intervenors told the Supreme Court that fair investigation warrants protection of the victim’s family and witnesses in the case. The UP govt however argued that the family was already under protection. The SC asked UP govt to submit a report by October 8.
While saying it will it will ensure that the probe is smooth in the case, the SC bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian also asked to know if the victim’s family had chosen a lawyer.
The apex court heard a PIL seeking a CBI or a SIT probe monitored by a sitting or retired Supreme Court or High Court judge.
The UP govt while expressing willingness for a court-monitored CBI probe said that false narratives were being spread in the case with political motive and a CBI probe would ensure vested interests are unable to create such narratives.