New Delhi

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the piecemeal examination of a rape survivor by a trial court in West Bengal, questioning why her testimony was adjourned for four months. The bench noted that the survivor had already begun recording her deposition, but the trial court scheduled her further examination for December 18, causing an unusual delay.

The top court asked why the victim, who should have been the first to testify, was not examined promptly. It said the delay could allow the accused to tamper with prosecution witnesses and described the matter as a grave concern. The bench also sought an explanation from the CBI and the public prosecutor handling the case, questioning why the victim was placed in the witness box only after a long interval.

Hearing a plea filed by the CBI against a Calcutta High Court order granting bail to an accused last September, the Supreme Court directed the trial court to submit a detailed report on the status of the trial. This report should include the number of witnesses examined so far and the last date the victim’s testimony was recorded.

The bench instructed that the report be submitted within one week and allowed the accused time to file a counter affidavit. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on September 22. The Supreme Court’s observations highlight the importance of timely examination of survivors to ensure fair and effective justice.