Punjab Woman Paraded Half-Naked By Son's In-Laws: High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Seeks Status Report

The Punjab & Haryana High Court, has taken suo moto cognizance of a shocking incident which went viral in a video shot in Punjab's Taran Taran wherein an elderly woman was seen paraded semi-naked on March 31, allegedly by in-laws of her son objecting to his marriage with their daughter.

While taking suo moto cognizance of the incident, the administrative judge of Taran Taran Justice Sanjay Vashisht said, "I am reminded of the historical event that had taken place during "Mahabharat Era" i.e. Chirharan of Draupdl at the behest of Kauravs'. And silence of the Pandavas including Bhisham Pilamah which ultimately resulted into bloodshed of thousands of people in Mahabharat War."

After centuries thereafter, an ordinary common man does not expect even today that Nyay Pranali (Judicial System) would be a mute spectator in such like incident, happening sinfully and openly under the nose of the Administration, the judge added.

The matter was listed today, before Acting Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, while issuing notice to the State, it directed to take steps to remove the video from social media platforms and sought a status report on action taken against the accused involved in the alleged incident.

As per the news reports, a 55-year-old woman was assaulted and paraded semi-naked in a village of Punjab's district Tarn Taran, allegedly by the in-laws of her son, because he got married to the girl against their wishes.

While referring the matter to the division bench of Acting Chief Justice and Justice Lapita Banerji, Justice Vashisht noted that it has been alleged that initially when the victim and her family members approached the local police to lodge a complaint no heed was paid and only after when the matter was surfaced on the social media, the police swung into action and formal FIR was registered only on April 3. As on April 6, out of five named accused, four persons have been arrested in the incident, the Court added.

Justice Vashisht remarked, "I am of the considered opinion that cognizance of this incident is required to be taken up suto-moto on Judicial side, because the High Court cannot be a mute spectator such like incidents, where the respect and modesty of a lady is outraged openly, and despite taking required steps, the police and other concerned authorities shows or adopts a lackluster attitude and not initiated prompt action."

The division bench has sought a response from the Punjab Government and asked to file a status report by the next date. However, a detailed order is awaited.

Title: Court on its own motion v. State of Punjab 

Ad AG Saurav Khurana appeared for Punjab Government.