The Uttar Pradesh government has come under fire for failing to deliver on its promise of providing a job and shelter to the family of the Hathras rape victim. Despite an order from the Allahabad High Court, the government has reneged on its commitment, prompting criticism from political leaders and condemnation from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court affirmed the High Court's decision and criticized the government's move to appeal against it.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier issued an order directing the state authorities to abide by the promise and provide a job to a family member within three months. The court condemned the government's deviation from its commitment, citing previous instances where it had provided jobs and compensation to other victims' families.
The government had promised to provide a house, a government job for a family member, and Rs. 25 lakh in compensation to the victim's family after she was allegedly gang-raped by four men in September 2020. While the family received compensation, they have yet to receive the promised job, which has caused significant hardship.
The Allahabad High Court had ordered the government to fulfill its promise of providing a job and shelter to the family, but the government appealed against the ruling.
During the Supreme Court hearing, Additional Advocate General Garima Prasad represented the Uttar Pradesh government and stated that they were willing to relocate the victim's family, but the family had requested relocation to Noida, Ghaziabad or Delhi. Prasad also expressed doubt about whether the elder married brother of the victim could be considered a part of the family under the law.
Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud presided over the case and expressed surprise at the government's decision to approach the Supreme Court. He observed that providing a job and shelter to the family were basic facilities promised by the state government and should not be interfered with.
“...These are facilities provided to the family. We should not interfere. The Apex Court also affirmed the directive which ordered rehabilitating of the family outside Hathras.
The bench also comprised of Justice PS Narsimha and JB Pardiwala which deplored the government’s decision to approach the Supreme Court against the order.
The brother of the Hathras rape victim expressed his family's struggles since the attack, speaking to The Mooknayak. He stated that they are unable to leave their home due to concerns for their safety and that the education of his brother's children has been hindered.
"We have been denied both justice and the promised job by the government. We wanted justice, not compensation or a government job, but now we have been betrayed on both accounts" the disappointed man said. He even offered to take the job himself as he is not married, since the elder brother is ineligible under the law.
Regarding the house promise, the government has insisted on providing them with a house in Hathras, which is not safe for them, since the alleged attackers and their supporters reside in the area. The family has requested to be relocated to Noida, Ghaziabad or Delhi, stating that they do not feel secure in the entire district, whether in the city or in the village.
The brother also expressed disappointment at the Supreme Court's verdict, as he feels that the government has been given another chance to deny the family justice.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government for reneging on its promise, citing its statement in court that the victim's elder brother was not a part of the family. Chandrashekhar Azad of the Azad Samaj Party called the promise a "lie," while Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress had in August 2022, accused the government of harassment and falsehoods.
The victim, who belonged to the Dalit community, was allegedly gang-raped by four men on September 14, 2020. She succumbed to her injuries on September 29, and the police secretly cremated her body. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had promised the family a house, a government job for a family member, and Rs. 25 lakh in compensation. While the family received the compensation, they have yet to receive the promised job.
You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.
