Irked by "highly improper" inquest proceedings conducted by an executive magistrate in a case relating to murder of a married woman, a Delhi court has asked government authorities to issue necessary directions to sensitise these officers.
The court also said that it has been observed that in the cases of unnatural death of young girls within seven years of marriage, inquest proceedings were being conducted by SDMs or executive magistrates but they "very rarely" visit the spot of the incident.
"It is not only in this case but this court has also observed that even in the other cases where the inquest is conducted by SDMs/executive magistrates in cases of unnatural deaths of young girls within seven years of marriage...
"Very rarely do these magistrates/officers conducting the inquest visit the spot of incident, make inquiry or inspect the scene of crime and usually end the said proceedings after recording the statements of parents," Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau said.
"I hereby direct that a copy of this order be placed before the Principal Secretary (Home), GNCT of Delhi so that necessary directions with regard to the manner in which the SDMs are required to conduct inquest proceedings are issued so as to duly sensitise these officers in this regard," the judge said.
The court's observation came while awarding life term to 25-year-old Vicky after convicting him for murdering his wife here in June 2011. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 on Vicky, who used to frequently beat his wife Janki, 18, under the influence of liquor and demanded money.
The court, however, acquitted Vicky's parents who were also arrayed as accused in the case, saying there was no evidence to hold them guilty of the offences.
According to police, Vicky married Janki in December 2010 and he used to beat her regularly and on June 17, 2011, he strangulated her in his house.
