Question : VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS

(a) whether the Human Rights Watch has recently reported that victims of sexual assaults in India are often mistreated and humiliated by the police and other agencies;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the Government has directed all the States to sensitise the police and other authorities and has also laid down any standing operating procedure for them;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the other effective measures taken/being taken by the Government to address the issue?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a): Human Rights Watch is an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and no such report has been received.

(b): Does not arise in view of reply to (a) above.

(c) to (e): As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, “Police” and “Pubic Order” are State subjects. As such, it is for the State Governments to take action in every crime. However, advisories have been issued by the Government from time to time, to all States/UTs on measures required to be taken on relevant issues like custodial deaths, arrest of individuals, crime against women, crime against children, gender sensitization of the police personnel, adopting appropriate measures for strict and salutary punishment to public servants found guilty, etc. Guidelines have also been issued by the National Human Rights Commission to all States/UTs on custodial deaths/rapes and for reporting such cases within 24 hours of its occurrence.