Crimes against women: SC exempts UP principal secy, DGP from appearing in HC

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Home) and DGP were today exempted by the Supreme Court from appearing before the Allahabad High Court which had summoned them to explain action taken by the state government to check growing cases of crime against women. While granting the exemption as they have to attend a meeting with Union Home Minister, a vacation bench headed by Justice Vikramajit Sen, however, made it clear that this exemption from personal appearance is restricted only for tomorrow and directed them to file their affidavit in the high court. [caption id=“attachment_1590355” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] The bench also expressed concern over growing number of cases of crime against women across the country. “The issue needs to be given priority. Across the country women are being tortured for one reason or other,” it said. The court was hearing a plea of the state government which had moved the apex court against the order of the high court directing personal appearance of its two senior most officers. Taking serious note of brutal assault on women under the guise of “exorcism” or “magical treatment”, the high court had directed the state’s Principal Secretary (Home) and DGP to appear before it on June 27 to explain as to what action has been taken in this matter. PTI