The appointment of Aseem Sawhney, the counsel representing one of the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case, as an additional advocate general has caused much uproar in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sawhney represents head constable Tilak Raj who is one of the eight accused in the case.
His appointment has come under sharp criticism from lawyer and activist Talib Hussain who campaigned for justice for the eight-year-old victim.
Hussain told THE WEEK that they will challenge Sawhney's appointment in the court. ''We knew from day one that we are up against the powerful forces, but we will not let this happen,'' he said. “We will first rake up this issue in the high court and if need be we will also approach the Supreme Court,'' he added.
The foster father of the victim, an eight-year-old Bakerwal girl, said he was not aware of the latest developments in the case.
When told about Sawhney's appointment, he said, ''This is wrong and it shouldn't happen. I will talk to Talib Hussian.''
The PDP and the NC too have criticised Sawhney's appointment.
“Ironic that a day after celebrating World Day for International Justice, the defence counsel in the horrific rape and murder Kathua case has been appointed as additional advocate general,” said PDP president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and sought the intervention of Governor N.N. Vohra in the matter.
“Rewarding those who defend alleged murderers and rapists is abhorrent and a shocking violation of the spirit of justice. Such a move will only serve to encourage the rape culture rampant in our society. Expect the J&K government to intervene,” she said.
The NC vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah said, “The decision is both inexplicable and worrisome. But if the victim’s lawyer is not unduly concerned by this development the rest of us should just let her get on with the job of ensuring justice for the young victim”.