Observing that insensitive judicial remarks in sexual assault cases can have a ”chilling effect” on the victims, their families and society at large, the Supreme Court on Monday, December 8, said it may consider issuing comprehensive guidelines for the high courts and the trial courts in making observations and issuing such orders in these cases.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, hearing the suo motu proceedings initiated after the court took cognisance of ”insensitive” remarks laced with the March 17 order of the Allahabad High Court, was told by lawyers that several high courts have recently made similar oral and written observations in sexual assault cases.

Senior advocate Shobha Gupta, appearing for an intervenor, said recently in another case,

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