RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE | 65
woefully inadequate in the circumstances prevailing today. The amount had last been
fixed in 1973. It was observed that some State Governments had taken the initiative to
increase the amount to Rs.2,501-3,000. However, as the procedure involved was most
cumbersome and it took the State Governments a great deal of time to carry out the
requisite enhancement, it was suggested that the Commission recommend action to
amend the Cr.PC on this matter. The Commission appreciated this suggestion coming
from officers of the Haryana Government. It has recommended to the Government,
(Department of Women and Child Development) on 19 September 2000 that the
maximum amount of the maintenance allowance be increased from Rs.501 to
Rs.5,000 per month for purposes of section 125 of the Cr.PC.
F] Protection of Anonymity of Victims of Rape
6.27 The Commission has been greatly concerned that cases relating to rape are often
known by the name of the victim. This imposes lasting damage to the reputation and
morale of the victim. The Commission accordingly decided to write to the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of India as well as to the Chief Justices of the High Courts
and to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting that steps be taken to ensure the
anonymity of victims of rape.
6.28 The Commission observed that even though women were the victims of this
heinous crime, cases that reached a Court generally got to be known by the name of
the woman who had suffered. The Commission therefore urged that the anonymity of
the victim should be ensured, so that rape cases do not perpetuate the suffering of the
women who were the victims of this grave crime.
6.29 The Commission also stressed that the proper training of officials at different
levels was absolutely essential if they were to deal with such crimes against women
with greater sensitivity.
ANNUAL REPORT 2000-2031