Rajasthan High Court Mandates State Support for Elderly Cyber Fraud Victim
The Rajasthan High Court has issued a significant directive, underscoring the critical necessity for dignity and robust protection of vulnerable individuals who have fallen victim to serious crimes. In a landmark order, the court has instructed the state government to arrange high-quality boarding and lodging for an 83-year-old woman at the center of a distressing ₹80 lakh cyber fraud case.
Court Proceedings and Judicial Directives
The order was delivered during a matter heard on Wednesday by the single bench of Justice Sameer Jain. Justice Jain emphasized the requirement for the Director General of Police and the Superintendent of Police for cybercrime to attend the next hearing via video conferencing, ensuring accountability and oversight in the investigation. The bench is scheduled to reconvene on Friday to further address the matter, with the public prosecutor directed to place the complete case record before the court.
This directive followed the filing of a second bail application by the accused, Naveen Temani, amid claims of an alleged settlement in the case. The court's intervention highlights its commitment to justice and victim support in complex legal scenarios.
Victim's Distress and Judicial Response
During the previous hearing, the elderly complainant, who appeared in a wheelchair and lives alone in Ajmer, expressed profound distress. She revealed feeling compelled to accept a settlement of ₹10 lakh, an amount far less than the ₹80 lakh she had lost in the fraud. Articulating her frustration, she described the protracted nature of the investigation and her ongoing sense of injustice, labeling herself a victim of a serious "white-collar cybercrime."
Justice Jain was deeply moved by her situation, noting that the case had "shocked the conscience" of the court. He expressed significant concern regarding the handling of the investigation, prompting immediate judicial action to safeguard the victim's rights and well-being.
State Responsibility and Accommodation Mandate
Given that the complainant is a resident of Ajmer and must travel to Jaipur for court hearings, the single bench mandated specific provisions for her comfort and safety. If she opts to stay in Jaipur during the proceedings, her accommodations must be of the highest standard, with all expenses fully covered by the state government. The court made it unequivocally clear that any failure to provide adequate care and facilities for the victim would be treated with the utmost seriousness, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to negligence in victim support.
This ruling sets a precedent for enhanced protection measures for elderly and vulnerable individuals in legal battles, reinforcing the judiciary's role in ensuring justice beyond mere legal formalities.
