New Delhi : Line of questioning during cross-examination must be respectful and not one that of harassing victims of rape, said Supreme Court, adding that, cross-examination should preferably be completed in one sitting. The observation was spelt by Bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and JB Pardiwala.
The trial court must be mindful of the trauma, the victims are in, post thier assaults. The courts must ensure trials conducted has its secrecy. Secrecy during trials should be ensured. The courts should also make sure the victims are not seen during while taking stand. . If need be, the culprit might be asked to step out of the courtroom when the victim testifies, the apex court advised. Also, the defense must be restrained from asking oppressive, scandalous or humiliating questions during cross-examination, the Bench added.
The apex court remarks came with its ruling ordering investigation into a sexual assault case involving Vice Chairman of a company headquartered in Gwalior, Uttar Pradesh
