SC to consider forming guidelines on trial for deaf-dumb people [Read Order]

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has decided to consider formulating guidelines for trial of the deaf and dumb persons for offences like rape.

"It is brought to our notice that this court has not laid down so far the parameters and guidelines for conducting trial against a deaf-and-dumb accused, who is otherwise of sound mind and medically fit to commit a heinous offence like rape," a bench of Justices Surya Kant and K V Vishwanathan said.

The court proposed to examine the matter as it issued notice to the Union government through the Attorney General for determining the question of law.

The court also sought a response from the Chhattisgarh government on July 26, 2024.

The issue arose before the court in view of a petition filed by Ramnarayan Manhar, who was held guilty by the trial court as well as the High Court for rape of minor girls.

"We are prima facie satisfied with the trial court and the High Court which have rightly held him guilty of raping two minor girls aged seven and eight years," the bench said.

The bench said both the conviction and sentence seemed to be justified.

The court, however, declined to grant bail to the petitioner.

The petitioner challenged the Chhattisgarh High Court's order of November 18, 2022 dismissing his appeal against the conviction and the sentence.

[Read Order]