SHILLONG, June 8: The Meghalaya High Court Divisional Chamber on Wednesday ordered the state government to assemble a team of doctors to examine the physical, psychiatric and psychological health of a rape survivor.
The court made the remark while hearing an appeal against the POCSO Court ruling that had convicted and sentenced former Mawhati HNLC and MLA leader Julius Kitbok Dorphang to 25 years in connection with the December 15, 2016 rape of a minor. .
The court noted that although this aspect of the matter may not be covered by the appeal, it is the duty of the court to ensure the welfare of the survivor. “Regardless of whether or not the appellant has been properly convicted, there is no doubt that the survivor in this case is in poor condition,” the court observed.
The State informed the court that the survivor is under the care of the Child Welfare Committee and all of her needs are being met by the State, including travel expenses for regular visits by her father.
“It is necessary for the survivor to be examined by a team of doctors to determine her physical, psychiatric and psychological health. A thorough examination should be carried out and immediate remedial action taken as deemed appropriate,” the court said.
The court also requested the state to file a report on the matter through a responsible officer of the Child Welfare Committee when the matter is brought up for hearing after fifteen days.
It is worth remembering that in August last year, the special judge of the POCSO Court in Nongpoh, FS Sangma, sentenced Dorphang to 25 years in prison in addition to imposing a fine of Rs 15 lakh for committing a rape against a minor on December 15, 2016.
After committing the crime, Dorphang went on the run because a case had been filed against him. He posted a surveillance notice and was arrested with the help of Guwahati Assam Police on January 7, 2017.
