Background of the Hathras Incident
In September 2020, a 19-year-old Dalit woman was brutally gang-raped in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. The victim succumbed to her injuries two weeks later. The case drew national and international outrage, especially after reports emerged that the victim's body was forcibly cremated by the police without the family's consent.
Initial Court Directives
Following the incident, the Allahabad High Court took suo motu cognizance to examine the rights related to decent and dignified last rites/cremation. Approximately two and a half years ago, the court directed the state government to consider relocating the victim's family to another place within Uttar Pradesh, outside of Hathras, to ensure their social and economic rehabilitation and to address the educational needs of the children.
Recent Court Proceedings
In November 2024, the High Court instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to make a decision regarding the family's relocation by January 8, 2025. However, on the stipulated date, the state counsel requested an extension, citing a meeting held on December 31, 2024, the transfer of the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), and the ongoing Kumbh Mela as reasons for the delay. Advocate Mahmood Pracha, representing the victim's family, objected to the extension, urging the court to direct the government to provide a house for the family in Ghaziabad or Gautam Buddh Nagar. Despite the objections, the court granted the state government an additional six weeks to make a decision, setting the next hearing for February 24, 2025.
Current Status of the Victim's Family
As of August 2024, reports indicate that the victim's family continues to live in Hathras under challenging conditions. They have expressed concerns about their safety and have been awaiting relocation and justice for over four years since the incident.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court's recent extension underscores the complexities involved in the relocation and rehabilitation of the Hathras victim's family. While the court has shown patience in granting additional time, it also highlights the pressing need for the Uttar Pradesh government to address the family's concerns promptly, ensuring their safety, rehabilitation, and access to justice.
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