Police, prosecutors and judges not following guidelines on crime against women: Chidambaram - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today expressed his disappointment towards the police, the prosecutors and the judges for not abiding by the guidelines issued by his ministry pertaining to cases related to crimes against women. Chidambaram said during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha today that guidelines issued for handling cases related to crime against women are not followed properly. "There are very strict guidelines on how a case (crime against women) should be investigated and prosecuted. I agree that the guidelines are not followed in some cases by the police, prosecutors and judges," he said. Chidambaram added that the Central Government has asked all state governments to follow the issued guidelines, so that the 'agony and suffering' of the victim is narrowed down. "I appeal to the police, prosecutors and judges to follow the guidelines properly so that the problems of the victims are lessened," he said. Commenting on problems faced by women tourists, Chidambaram said it was true that some female tourists were molested, but it would be improper to say that India is not a safe destination for women tourists. For the safety and security of the tourists, the Centre has issued appropriate guidelines and even some state governments have formed a tourism police force, said Chidambaram. The Home Minister said he was optimistic about state governments taking the Centre's advice seriously.