The Madras High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the political and media handling of the recent sexual assault case at Anna University, calling for genuine introspection and systemic change. Justice P. Velmurugan, during proceedings on Friday, emphasized that the incident should be a wake-up call but lamented that it is being politicized without real concern for justice or reform.
The remarks came in response to a mention by Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) advocate K. Balu, who raised the issue of the State police denying permission for a protest by the party’s women’s wing over the incident. Justice Velmurugan criticized political parties for exploiting such events to attract media attention rather than addressing the underlying issues.
“Protests are being used as a tool for political mileage,” the judge observed. He also censured the media for its coverage, stating, “I’m not saying that media should not report on the issue but definitely not the way in which they are doing.”
Justice Velmurugan further expressed personal anguish, declaring, “I’m ashamed to live in this era when discrimination based on gender, caste, and so on continues. All of us should be ashamed. Strictly speaking, we all are co-accused in such crimes.”
The incident in question occurred on December 23, when a 19-year-old engineering student was reportedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus. According to the survivor’s statement, the assailant attacked her and her male friend, brutally assaulting the latter before dragging her into nearby shrubs and committing the crime.
In response, the High Court had earlier constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the probe and ordered the state government to pay an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakhs to the survivor. The court also reprimanded the police for their poor handling of the case, particularly for the leaked First Information Report (FIR), which included victim-blaming language.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about campus safety and systemic accountability. As the investigation progresses, the judiciary’s strong statements underscore the need for a collective societal commitment to addressing and preventing such crimes.
