Shortage of judges to try women's cases upsets George

Special courts set up by the state government to hear cases of sexual harassment and atrocities against women are short of judges. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George has promised to request Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to appoint enough judges to these courts to expedite trials.

“The verdict or quantum of punishment in these cases needs be pronounced at the earliest without any delay. Otherwise, the evidence may be manipulated or complainants coerced. It is a matter of concern that these cases are being tried by judges of other courts only in their spare time,” he told journalists after laying the foundation stone of the new building of KG Halli police station on Friday.

The minister opined that people would gain confidence in the system if courts deliver judgements quickly. He said those committing crimes against women must be handed out exemplary punishment so as to deter aspiring offenders.

Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister G Parameshwara, who was earlier criticised for his remarks on “mass molestation” of women on New Year’s Eve in the city, sought to strike a conciliatory tone. “Bengaluru’s population is very diverse. Just around 40% are local people while the rest belong to different states and countries. We will ensure the safety of everyone. Bengalureans need not worry; they are always safe,” he said.

George had a sharp response to a query on the felling of trees for the controversial steel flyover project. “People don’t stop constructing houses or buildings just because there is a tree, do they?. In other countries, when they cut two trees, they plant 10 saplings, but here we (the government) are only criticised. Citizens should also think about the advantages of development.”