PIL in HC demands enhanced punishment for Rathore

The petition,in the form of a public interest litigation (PIL),was filed by a local advocate Ranjan Lakhanpal,who has sought a thorough probe into the molestation incident,circumstances leading to her suicide and booking of her borther Ashu in false cases.

Contending that Rathore has got away with the minimum sentence even for molestation under Sec.354 of the IPC which provides for a maximum two-year jail term,the petioner said the High Court should lay down guidelines for taking action in such cases so that victims do not suffer and the accused do not go scot free.

The petitioner wants that Rathore should be convicted for abetment to suicide under Sec.306 of the IPC which provides for a maximum 10 year imprisonment.

Lakhanpal also demanded action against the school which had expelled Ruchika reportedly at the behest of Rathore.

In Panchkula,10 kms from Chandigarh,Ruchika’s family members and friends took out a march and lit a lamp outside the home she lived then. Ruchika consumed poison on December 28,1993 and died the next day.

The National Commission for Women has written to the Centre and the Haryana government to move fresh applications against Rathore on charges of abetment to suicide,attempt to murder of her brother and criminal conspiracy.

Girija Vyas,chairperson of the NCW,told reporters in Delhi that the commission will be fully supportive in securing civil damages for the Rathore family.

With a ‘puja thali’ in her hand,Ruchika’s friend Aradhana accompanied by 35 well wishers of the family took out a march in Panchkula from her house No.210 in Sector six to house No.363 in the same sector where Ruchika lived.

Accompanied by her husband Aman,who works in Australia,and her mother Madhu,Aradhana lit an earthen lamp outside the house which has changed hands a couple of times and is presently being re-built.

The marchers observed a minute’s silence outside the house in which no family is residing presently.

Aradhana,the only witness to the molestation incident,said the signature campaign SA campaign launched by her has evoked good response from people in our struggle for justice for Ruchika and her family.

She said Ruchika’s father S C Girhotra was forced to sell his house here following harassment at the behest of Rathore. The petitioner has made Sacred Heart School,which had expelled Ruchika for non-payment of fees,a party in the case.

He said the school was equally responsible for the circumstances which led to Ruchika committing suicide.