Latest news with #StandardOperatingProcedure
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Nagpur Police Issue SOP to Address Rising Heinous Crimes by Juveniles, Allowing Treatment as Adults
Nagpur: In response to a surge in heinous crimes committed by minors, the Nagpur city police have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the process of treating juvenile offenders as adults in specific cases. Issued on April 22, 2025, by deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rahul Maknikar under the guidance of police commissioner Ravinder Singal, the SOP aligns with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, aiming to balance juvenile rehabilitation with public safety. The SOP outlines a structured approach for handling juveniles aged 16 and above accused of heinous offences — crimes carrying a minimum punishment of seven years or more, such as murder, rape, or terrorism-related acts. According to the guidelines, within 10 days of a juvenile being presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the investigating officer must coordinate with the JJB to determine whether the juvenile should be tried as an adult. This decision hinges on a preliminary assessment under Section 15 of the Act, evaluating the juvenile's mental and physical capacity, awareness of consequences, and the circumstances of the offense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Encontre voos low-cost Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo The SOP emphasizes thorough documentation, requiring officers to compile the juvenile's criminal history, evidence of premeditation, birth certificate, and supporting materials like CCTV footage or social media posts. Mental and physical assessments, conducted at govt medical hospitals, further inform whether the juvenile should face adult proceedings. If the JJB deems it appropriate, the case is transferred to a sessions court (special children's court) under Section 18(3), where the public prosecutor argues for adult trial proceedings, as outlined in section 19(1)(i). "The rising involvement of minors in heinous crimes demands a robust framework to ensure justice while adhering to legal provisions. This SOP ensures accountability without compromising the rehabilitative spirit of juvenile justice," said an official, adding that the goal is to expedite inquiries and maintain transparency, ensuring that serious offenders face appropriate consequences. The SOP also mandates monthly reporting, with police stations required to submit detailed tables to the commissioner's office by the first Monday of each month. This facilitates real-time monitoring of juvenile crime trends and compliance with the SOP. The guidelines reflect a proactive response to incidents like the March 2025 Nagpur violence, where seven minors were among 50 arrested, highlighting the growing challenge of juvenile delinquency. Legal experts have welcomed the SOP but caution against its misuse. "While the SOP strengthens the system, it must ensure that juveniles are not unfairly pushed into adult courts without comprehensive assessments, as rehabilitation remains the Act's core principle," said a legal expert. The Nagpur police's SOP marks a significant step in addressing the complex issue of juvenile crime, balancing stringent measures with the protective ethos of the Juvenile Justice Act. As the city grapples with evolving crime patterns, this framework aims to deter serious offenses while safeguarding the rights of young offenders.
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Business Standard
15 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Hosps shouldn't insist on ID proof of rape survivors seeking abortion: HC
The Delhi High Court has asked hospitals in the national capital to refrain from demanding ID proofs of rape survivors seeking termination of their pregnancy on orders of courts. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also underlined the pressing need for "clear, practical and sensitive" medical protocols for such survivors, particularly minors. Lack of clarity on procedures, insistence on identity documents, and the delay in carrying out necessary medical examinations such as ultrasound have all contributed to the further distress of the victim in this case, the court said. "Hospitals and medical institutions must be sensitised to the fact that cases involving victims of sexual assault, especially minor girls, require a more responsive and sensitive approach," the court said on May 29. Medical protocols, it said, must align not only with statutory obligations, but also with compassion, practicality, and an understanding of the unique challenges that survivors of sexual violence face. "Where the victim of sexual assault (major or minor) is accompanied by the investigating officer or has been produced pursuant to direction of a court or CWC, identification proof/ identity card of the victim shall not be insisted upon by hospital and doctor concerned for the purpose of conducting ultrasound or any relevant/ necessary diagnostic procedure. The identification by the IO will suffice in such cases," the verdict said. The matter at hand related to a minor rape survivor who sought medical termination of pregnancy. The court issued a slew of directions to all stakeholders to ensure clarity and uniformity in handling cases of sexual assault in which the survivor was pregnant. The court directed that in all cases, a comprehensive medical examination should be conducted without any delay by the hospital and doctor concerned. It should be the responsibility of the investigating officer (IO) to identify the victim and ensure that when she is produced before the doctor, hospital or medical board, necessary documents and case file pertaining to the victim are carried by the police officer, the court said. "In cases of rape victims, where the gestational period exceeds 24 weeks, the medical board shall be constituted immediately, and without waiting for any specific direction from the court, the board shall conduct the necessary medical examination and prepare an appropriate report at the earliest and place before appropriate authorities," it said. The consent for medical termination of pregnancy should be obtained from the victim or her guardian in the vernacular language understood by them, it noted. "The hospital administration is directed to make available the latest, updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and relevant legal guidelines in both emergency and gynaecology departments, and to ensure that duty doctors are briefed and sensitised regularly regarding their obligations under the MTP Act, POCSO Act, and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and high courts," the court said. The minor survivor in the case was turned away by the hospital authorities on the ground that a judicial order was first required before any medical assessment could be carried out by the medical board. The report prepared by AIIMS recorded that there was an urgency in the matter and clinical indications suggested a pregnancy of about 20 weeks. However, the attending medical personnel at the hospital declined to conduct an ultrasound on the ground that no identity card of the survivor was available and further insisted on conducting an ossification test on her. She was not examined by a medical board as it was opined by the doctor concerned that a court order was required since the pregnancy exceeded 24 weeks. Noting the contradictions and to avoid any confusion, the court passed a specific order directing AIIMS to conduct medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) of the minor rape survivor on May 5 but stressed on passing a reasoned judgment later, addressing the procedural lapses and systemic issues.
NDTV
15 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Hospitals Shouldn't Insist On ID Proof Of Rape Survivors Seeking Abortion: High Court
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has asked hospitals in the national capital to refrain from demanding ID proofs of rape survivors seeking termination of their pregnancy on orders of courts. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also underlined the pressing need for "clear, practical and sensitive" medical protocols for such survivors, particularly minors. Lack of clarity on procedures, insistence on identity documents, and the delay in carrying out necessary medical examinations, such as ultrasound, would have all contributed to the further distress of the victim in this case, the court said. "Hospitals and medical institutions must be sensitised to the fact that cases involving victims of sexual assault, especially minor girls, require a more responsive and sensitive approach," the court said on May 29. Medical protocols, it said, must align not only with statutory obligations, but also with compassion, practicality, and an understanding of the unique challenges that survivors of sexual violence face. "Where the victim of sexual assault (major or minor) is accompanied by the investigating officer or has been produced pursuant to direction of a court or CWC, identification proof/ identity card of the victim shall not be insisted upon by hospital and doctor concerned for the purpose of conducting ultrasound or any relevant/ necessary diagnostic procedure. The identification by the IO will suffice in such cases," the verdict said. The matter at hand related to a minor rape survivor who sought medical termination of pregnancy. The court issued a slew of directions to all stakeholders to ensure clarity and uniformity in handling cases of sexual assault in which the survivor was pregnant. The court directed that in all cases, a comprehensive medical examination should be conducted without any delay by the hospital and doctor concerned. It should be the responsibility of the investigating officer (IO) to identify the victim and ensure that when she is produced before the doctor, hospital or medical board, necessary documents and case file pertaining to the victim are carried by the police officer, the court said. "In cases of rape victims, where the gestational period exceeds 24 weeks, the medical board shall be constituted immediately, and without waiting for any specific direction from the court, the board shall conduct the necessary medical examination and prepare an appropriate report at the earliest and place before appropriate authorities," it said. The consent for medical termination of pregnancy should be obtained from the victim or her guardian in the vernacular language understood by them, it noted. "The hospital administration is directed to make available the latest, updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and relevant legal guidelines in both emergency and gynaecology departments, and to ensure that duty doctors are briefed and sensitised regularly regarding their obligations under the MTP Act, POCSO Act, and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and high courts," the court said. The minor survivor in the case was turned away by the hospital authorities on the ground that a judicial order was first required before any medical assessment could be carried out by the medical board. The report prepared by AIIMS recorded that there was an urgency in the matter, and clinical indications suggested a pregnancy of about 20 weeks. However, the attending medical personnel at the hospital declined to conduct an ultrasound on the grounds that no identity card of the survivor was available and further insisted on conducting an ossification test on her. She was not examined by a medical board as it was opined by the doctor concerned that a court order was required since the pregnancy exceeded 24 weeks. Noting the contradictions and to avoid any confusion, the court passed a specific order directing AIIMS to conduct medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) of the minor rape survivor on May 5 but stressed on passing a reasoned judgment later, addressing the procedural lapses and systemic issues.
The Hindu
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Hospitals shouldn't insist on ID proof of rape survivors seeking abortion: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court has asked hospitals in the national capital to refrain from demanding ID proofs of rape survivors seeking termination of their pregnancy on orders of courts. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also underlined the pressing need for "clear, practical and sensitive" medical protocols for such survivors, particularly minors. Lack of clarity on procedures, insistence on identity documents, and the delay in carrying out necessary medical examinations such as ultrasound have all contributed to the further distress of the victim in this case, the court said. "Hospitals and medical institutions must be sensitised to the fact that cases involving victims of sexual assault, especially minor girls, require a more responsive and sensitive approach," the court said on May 29. Court to doctors on treatment to survivors of sexual violence Medical protocols, it said, must align not only with statutory obligations, but also with compassion, practicality, and an understanding of the unique challenges that survivors of sexual violence face. "Where the victim of sexual assault (major or minor) is accompanied by the investigating officer or has been produced pursuant to direction of a court or CWC, identification proof/ identity card of the victim shall not be insisted upon by hospital and doctor concerned for the purpose of conducting ultrasound or any relevant/ necessary diagnostic procedure. The identification by the IO will suffice in such cases," the verdict said. The matter at hand related to a minor rape survivor who sought medical termination of pregnancy. The court issued a slew of directions to all stakeholders to ensure clarity and uniformity in handling cases of sexual assault in which the survivor was pregnant. The court directed that in all cases, a comprehensive medical examination should be conducted without any delay by the hospital and doctor concerned. It should be the responsibility of the investigating officer (IO) to identify the victim and ensure that when she is produced before the doctor, hospital or medical board, necessary documents and case file pertaining to the victim are carried by the police officer, the court said. "In cases of rape victims, where the gestational period exceeds 24 weeks, the medical board shall be constituted immediately, and without waiting for any specific direction from the court, the board shall conduct the necessary medical examination and prepare an appropriate report at the earliest and place before appropriate authorities," it said. Consent for medical termination of pregnancy The consent for medical termination of pregnancy should be obtained from the victim or her guardian in the vernacular language understood by them, it noted. "The hospital administration is directed to make available the latest, updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and relevant legal guidelines in both emergency and gynaecology departments, and to ensure that duty doctors are briefed and sensitised regularly regarding their obligations under the MTP Act, POCSO Act, and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and high courts," the court said. The minor survivor in the case was turned away by the hospital authorities on the ground that a judicial order was first required before any medical assessment could be carried out by the medical board. The report prepared by AIIMS recorded that there was an urgency in the matter and clinical indications suggested a pregnancy of about 20 weeks. However, the attending medical personnel at the hospital declined to conduct an ultrasound on the ground that no identity card of the survivor was available and further insisted on conducting an ossification test on her. She was not examined by a medical board as it was opined by the doctor concerned that a court order was required since the pregnancy exceeded 24 weeks. Noting the contradictions and to avoid any confusion, the court passed a specific order directing AIIMS to conduct medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) of the minor rape survivor on May 5 but stressed on passing a reasoned judgment later, addressing the procedural lapses and systemic issues.
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Hospitals shouldn't insist on ID proof of rape survivors seeking abortion: Delhi HC
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court has asked hospitals in the national capital to refrain from demanding ID proofs of rape survivors seeking termination of their pregnancy on orders of courts. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also underlined the pressing need for "clear, practical and sensitive" medical protocols for such survivors, particularly minors. Lack of clarity on procedures, insistence on identity documents, and the delay in carrying out necessary medical examinations such as ultrasound have all contributed to the further distress of the victim in this case, the court said. "Hospitals and medical institutions must be sensitised to the fact that cases involving victims of sexual assault, especially minor girls, require a more responsive and sensitive approach," the court said on May 29. Medical protocols, it said, must align not only with statutory obligations, but also with compassion, practicality, and an understanding of the unique challenges that survivors of sexual violence face. "Where the victim of sexual assault is accompanied by the investigating officer or has been produced pursuant to direction of a court or CWC, identification proof/ identity card of the victim shall not be insisted upon by hospital and doctor concerned for the purpose of conducting ultrasound or any relevant/ necessary diagnostic procedure. The identification by the IO will suffice in such cases," the verdict said. The matter at hand related to a minor rape survivor who sought medical termination of pregnancy. The court issued a slew of directions to all stakeholders to ensure clarity and uniformity in handling cases of sexual assault in which the survivor was pregnant. The court directed that in all cases, a comprehensive medical examination should be conducted without any delay by the hospital and doctor concerned. It should be the responsibility of the investigating officer to identify the victim and ensure that when she is produced before the doctor, hospital or medical board, necessary documents and case file pertaining to the victim are carried by the police officer, the court said. "In cases of rape victims, where the gestational period exceeds 24 weeks, the medical board shall be constituted immediately, and without waiting for any specific direction from the court, the board shall conduct the necessary medical examination and prepare an appropriate report at the earliest and place before appropriate authorities," it said. The consent for medical termination of pregnancy should be obtained from the victim or her guardian in the vernacular language understood by them, it noted. "The hospital administration is directed to make available the latest, updated Standard Operating Procedure and relevant legal guidelines in both emergency and gynaecology departments, and to ensure that duty doctors are briefed and sensitised regularly regarding their obligations under the MTP Act, POCSO Act, and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and high courts," the court said. The minor survivor in the case was turned away by the hospital authorities on the ground that a judicial order was first required before any medical assessment could be carried out by the medical board. The report prepared by AIIMS recorded that there was an urgency in the matter and clinical indications suggested a pregnancy of about 20 weeks. However, the attending medical personnel at the hospital declined to conduct an ultrasound on the ground that no identity card of the survivor was available and further insisted on conducting an ossification test on her. She was not examined by a medical board as it was opined by the doctor concerned that a court order was required since the pregnancy exceeded 24 weeks. Noting the contradictions and to avoid any confusion, the court passed a specific order directing AIIMS to conduct medical termination of pregnancy of the minor rape survivor on May 5 but stressed on passing a reasoned judgment later, addressing the procedural lapses and systemic issues.
