The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine a plea seeking a CBI or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl in Gurugram, after concerns were raised over the handling of the investigation by local police.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, took note of an urgent mention made by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi. The matter has now been scheduled for hearing on Monday.
During the mentioning, Rohatgi flagged serious lapses in the police investigation, telling the Court that no meaningful steps had been taken despite the child recording her statement before a magistrate detailing the alleged incident. He submitted that no arrests had been made so far and key procedural steps were missing.
Highlighting the alleged inaction, the senior advocate told the bench that the crime scene had not been secured, CCTV footage had not been collected, and domestic staff were suspected to be involved in the offence.
At the outset, the Chief Justice suggested that the petitioners approach the jurisdictional High Court. However, Rohatgi opposed this course, pointing out that the concerned High Court would be located in Chandigarh while the child’s father is employed in Gurugram. He urged the apex court to intervene directly, stressing that the case warranted a strong message from the country’s highest court given the gravity of the allegations.
Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court agreed to list the matter for detailed hearing early next week.
