SC Flags 'Chilling Effect' of Judicial Remarks in Sexual Assault Cases; Eyes Guidelines

• Supreme Court flags "chilling effect" of insensitive judicial remarks in sexual assault cases on victims and society.
• SC is considering issuing comprehensive guidelines for high courts and trial courts regarding observations and orders in sexual assault cases.
• The suo motu proceedings were initiated after the Allahabad High Court made "insensitive" remarks in a sexual assault case.
• The Allahabad HC order, which downplayed an attempt to rape, will be set aside by the SC, and the trial will continue under harsher charges (Sections 376, 511 IPC, POCSO).
• Lawyers cited multiple instances of insensitive remarks from various high courts and trial courts, prompting the SC's move for guidelines.

Why It Matters: SC mulls guidelines to curb insensitive judicial remarks in sexual assault cases.