Update: The Supreme Court directs a fast-track trial in the Kathua case. It will be conducted on a day-to-day basis to avoid any delay. The court also rejected pleas for a CBI probe in the case.


The SC says the trial would be in accordance with provisions of Ranbir Penal Code, applicable in J&K. The Ranbir Penal Code or RPC is a criminal code applicable in Jammu and Kashmir only. The Indian Penal Code is not applicable under Article 370 of the Constitution of India. The code was introduced during the reign of the Dogra dynasty with Ranbir Singh as its ruler.


The SC also vacated a stay on the trial in the Kathua gangrape-cum-murder case. The court said that since it is seized of the matter, no court shall pass any order with regard to the case. It said that the trial in the case must be fair to accused as well as the victim's family.


It also ordered continuation of the security to the family members of the victim, family friends and lawyer representing them and directed translation of statements and records of the case from Urdu to English and also.


Image: Prime accused in the case, retired revenue official, Sanjhi Ram. Pic: Reuters.