Fast track courts soon: Oommen Chandy

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Sunday said that fast track courts will be set up in the state for the speedy redressal of cases pertaining to atrocities against women and children. “Necessary steps for setting up such courts will be taken after consulting the High Court,” Chandy said while inaugurating the Nirbhaya project, an initiative aimed at combating violence against women and children. He said that the government will bear the financial burden for starting the courts.


Stating that the Social Welfare Department had come out with many programmes for the protection of women and children, Chandy said that five centres would be set up to rehabilitate the victims and the first centre will be opened at Thavanoor in Malappuram district. He said that stringent action should be taken against all the culprits and the victims  have to rehabilitated as well.


Chandy also said that residential schools for children and a training centre for women will be set up in the state. Social Welfare Minister M K Muneer said that reports of atrocities were increasing by the day and the society has to come forward against such criminal activities.


Union Minister K V Thomas, Excise Minister K Babu, Mayor Tony Chammany, Hibi Eden MLA, district panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappilly, DGP Jacob Punnoose and Mallika Sarabhai were also present.


The toll free number as part of the Nirbhaya project was also launched. Any person can call 18004251400 and register complaints. People can also call for legal help, counselling and details about the project.