N. Kumar, judge of the Karnataka High Court, has said that judges and investigation officers should take up the challenge to ensure conviction of persons accused of offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act.
Inaugurating a two-day awareness programme on these Acts here on Saturday, Mr. Kumar said the laxity in the application of law by the investigation officers and judges was leading to the accused persons going scot-free.
Not preparing a proper ‘mahazar’ and the judges’ “failure” to understand the offence were among the reasons that led to acquittals in most cases.
“It is a challenge for the judges and the investigation officers to ensure conviction” in a deserving case, he said.
Mr. Kumar urged judges and investigating officers to be sensitive while handling criminal cases that were against society. People expected offenders under these Acts to be convicted.
“If not, we have to be prepared to face a situation that came about after the Delhi [rape and murder of a law student] incident,” he said.
It was lack of sensitivity on the part of advocates that led to the Union government issuing directions on how cases related to sexual offences are to be conducted, he added.
Police Commissioner R. Hithendra, Superintendent of Police S.D. Sharanappa and Principal District and Sessions Judges from Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Chikmagalur participated.
