The Tamil Nadu government must pay Rs 25 lakh to the Anna University student as interim compensation for the trauma she suffered following the leakage of the FIR, the Madras High Court said on Saturday. The sexual assault survivor, however, is not barred from claiming further compensation, the vacation bench pointed out.
The High Court directed that Anna University not demand any fee from the girl and ensure she successfully completes the course. The bench said she should be exempted from not just the regular tuition fee but also the exam fee and hostel fee.
The Tamil Nadu Police was asked to provide interim security to the family of the second-year student, who was sexually assaulted at a secluded part of the campus on the night of December 23. The High Court also directed the DMK-led state government to take appropriate action against Chennai City Police Commissioner A Arun for holding the controversial press conference.
Commissioner Arun's decision to hold the press meet before the consent of the government led to the leaking of important details and facts about the probe to the media, the court reportedly said, which affected the inquiry. The vacation bech consisting of Justices SM Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayanan also appointed a special investigation team comprising three women IPS officers to investigate the case, DT Next said in a report.
Another important observation made by the bench said that the society got no right to dictate how a woman should live. It was ultimately her life, her body, and her right, DT Next quoted Justices SM Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayanan as saying.
NCW to visit Chennai on December 30
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women on Saturday constituted a two-member fact-finding committee to investigate the alleged sexual assault. The commission's chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has set up the panel comprising member, NCW, Mamta Kumari, and retired IPS officer and former DGP of Maharashtra, Praveen Dixit, to "investigate and recommend action," a statement said.
The fact-finding committee is likely to visit Chennai on December 30, 2024.
The 19-year-old student was sexually assaulted on the campus of the premier technical varsity recently, prompting widespread outrage from opposition parties and civil society. One person has been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
