HC takes cognisance of gangrape, decides to monitor probe

Taking suo motu cognisance of the gang-rape incident, the Delhi high court on Wednesday decided to monitor its investigation by directing police to carry a "high standard" probe and file the charge sheet only after the court's perusal.

"Nobody is safe," the court said noting that such incidents repeatedly happen in the city.

Asking Delhi police how the bus, having tinted glasses, kept plying on busy roads for 40 minutes and the sexual assault remained undetected, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Murugesan directed Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar to file a status report within two days giving all details.

"The probe must be of high standards and the final report (charge sheet) has to be filed only after the perusal of this court...We would be issuing necessary directions time to time.

This court will also issue the guidelines after taking note of the contentions of all concerned," the bench, also comprising Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw, said in its order.

"We are at loss to understand as to how the bus could evade surveillance for 40 minutes... The commissioner of police is directed to file a report including the details of police officers who were on patrolling duty in the area.

"The police commissioner shall also state the steps taken to remove the tinted glasses from vehicles including public transport," it said, expressing anguish over non-implementation of the Supreme Court order on complete ban of vehicles with tinted glasses.

The court refused to tag a PIL with its suo motu proceedings saying "we cannot derail the probe" and such pleas would lead to "loss of focus".

During the hearing, the court said, "Nobody is safe, it's repeatedly seen in Delhi. It is not one odd incident. Earlier, the chief minister has sought approval for setting up for fast track courts. We have immediately approved that. Only this much can be done by the judiciary."