Kashmir govt appoint defence lawyer in Kathua rape case

A row has erupted over the Kashmir state government appointing Aseem Sawhney, one of the defence lawyers in the gruesome rape and murder case of an eight-year-old nomad girl in Kathua, as additional advocate general (AAG).

In an order issued by the Governor's administration last week, the state-appointed 31 advocates as additional advocates general, deputy advocates general and government advocates, with 15 in the Kashmir wing of the high court and 16 in the Jammu wing.

Sawhney, who has been appointed as AAG for the Jammu wing, is one of the defence lawyers in the rape and murder case of a nomad Muslim girl in Kathua earlier this year. The appointment drew sharp criticism from former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah.

Shocking violation

Mehbooba called it a “shocking violation” of the spirit of justice and warned that it will encourage “rape culture.” She also hoped that the Governor will intervene in the issue. “Rewarding those who defend murder & rape accused is abhorrent & a shocking violation of the spirit of justice. Such a move will only serve to encourage the rape culture rampant in our society. Expect the @jandkgovernor to intervene (sic),” she tweeted.

In another tweet, she said, “Ironic that a day after celebrating World Day for International Justice, the defence counsel in the horrific rape & (and) murder Kathua case has been appointed as Additional Advocate General.”

National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah tweeted, “The decision is both inexplicable & worrisome but if the victim’s lawyer is not unduly concerned by this development the rest of us should just let her get on with the job of ensuring justice for the young victim.”

Jammu and Kashmir is currently under Governor's rule after fall of the PDP-BJP alliance government on June 19.