Question of time

The CBIs stance is reassuring,but hardly blame-free. After all,the CBI did not chargesheet Rathore for abetment to

suicide,leaving him with just a molestation charge that,under Indias inadequate laws,carries a maximum sentence of two years the abetment charge was later inserted by the CBI special judge,but dropped by the Punjab amp; Haryana high court. The current political resolve amongst the Central and state governments is reassuring. Unfortunately,it is this very political intent that had given cover to the constant harassment of Ruchikas family and her eventual suicide,not to mention Rathores promotion to the very top of the state police hierarchy. It is hoped that this renewed political will results in two clear changes a push to re-examine the case and file charges afresh,and the tightening of the law regarding child molestation.

The way ahead has one more minefield: time. It took 19 years from Ruchikas molestation in 1990 to the guilty verdict last week. Those 19 years were in itself a denial of justice. They also allowed the space for a powerful accused to intimidate his victim and her family as the CBI special court notes in at least one instance. As the CBI prepares to file an appeal,as new charges are contemplated against Rathore,and as the push for reforming our child-molestation laws begins,the long delay in justice for Ruchika and her family underlines the need to act quickly this time round.