A group of lawyers in the Supreme Court have requested Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra to take suo moto cognisance of the conduct of lawyers in Kathua and a PIL in this regard is likely to be filed today.


Lawyer PV Dinesh told the Supreme Court that Jammu lawyers prevented the due course of law to be followed in the Kathua rape case and requested CJI Dipak Misra to take suo moto cognisance of it. The CJI led bench said it may hear the petition.


A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two Special Police Officers and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence.


The other developments in the case include Union Minister Maneka Gandhi saying she will work to amend the POCSO Act to make rape of children under 12 years punishable by death.


The girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, had disappeared from a spot near her house on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area.


Former J-K CM Omar Abdullah  tweeted: "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others. Please don't let #Asifa be someone you choose to remain silent about."


Also read: Kathua rape: 'This crime can never happen in a temple'