Chhawla Rape-Murder Case : Delhi Police Urges SC To Urgently Hear Review, Cites Another Crime Committed By Accused After Release

The Delhi police's petition seeking a review of the Supreme Court's acquittal of the three death row convicts of the gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl in Delhi’s Chhawla area in 2012 was mentioned before the Supreme Court bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice JB Pardiwala today.

CJI DY Chandrachud assured that he would constitute a bench comprising himself, Justice Ravindra Bhat, and Justice Bela Trivedi to hear the matter and would also consider hearing the matter in an open court. 

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the brutality of the crime and said–

"An 18 year old was raped, mutilated, killed. There were objects inserted in private parts. Death penalty was awarded by the Delhi High Court and trial court. This court acquitted them. We sought a review. After review, one of the accused slit throat of someone else. They're hardened criminals. We request an open court hearing."

He further sought for the bench to be led by the Chief Justice. CJI DY Chandrachud said–

"Alright, we'll constitute a bench. I will constitute one with me, Justices Ravindra Bhat, and Bela Trivedi. We'll consider the open court request, I'll talk to my fellow judges."

Background

In November 2022, the Supreme Court had passed an order acquitting the three men accused in the 2012 Chhawla Gang Rape Case. The three accused were previously sentenced to death by the Delhi High Court and the trial court. The judgment pronounced by the bench of Chief Justice U. U. Lalit and Justices Ravindra Bhat and Bela M. Trivedi set aside the judgment of the Delhi High Court which convicted the three men for rape and murder of a 19 year old girl.

The three persons Rahul, Ravi and Vinod were accused of abducting the girl while she was returning home from her work place on 9th February 2012. The police later found a mutilated body of the girl near Rewari in Haryana on 14th February with multiple wounds. In the autopsy it was found out that she was attacked, raped and acid was poured on her eyes.