Indian Writing

…from Bihar, where a rape trial has been concluded in just two days in what is reportedly the shortest judicial trial of such a case in the country.

According to a report, Justice Arun Kumar Srivastava began hearing the case on July 25 and awarded the two accused in the case prison terms of seven years each on July 27.

Update: It seems that there is some concern about whether justice has indeed been done, because the news report seems to suggest that there was not sufficient investigation into the circumstances of the case. The report suggests that the judge heard the doctor, the police and the victim, but it is not clear from the report whether the accused was heard.

Such concern is always valid, and I fully believe that justice should not only be done but also be seen to be done. Yet I would say that my faith in the judicial system is greater than my faith in the way some sections of the media report such news. I have tried to find further details of this particular case, but the few reports that I have found seem to be based on the same set of inputs. News reports are often sketchy to start with; due to space constraints, they may be cut down further. On the other hand if at all due procedure, including the principle of natural justice had not been complied with, I imagine that the judgement itself would be vitiated and would not hold on appeal.

I have no problems in believing that a clear case of rape can be inquired into and a trial concluded within a reasonably short period. Speedy justice will not only act as a deterrent but also give more faith and confidence to witnesses who might come forward to testify in future. So, yes, I have enough faith in the judicial system to feel optimistic with a fast-track judgement.