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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court on Thursday stated that the parents of the deceased accused in the Badlapur Sexual Assault Case should not be punished merely because their son was an accused in the case.  

A division bench of the high court comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice P.K. Chavan questioned the Maharashtra Government on whether arrangements could be made for their employment and shelter.

The bench was hearing a suo moto PIL registered by the court after protests erupted over the sexual assault of two minor girls in a kindergarten school by Akshay Shinde.

Shinde was killed in an encounter on Monday while being transported from court by the police. He allegedly snatched an officer's revolver and fired three rounds, after which another officer reportedly shot him.

Today, the bench spoke to the parents of Akshay, who were present in court.  

The parents informed the high court that they were being targeted everywhere they went. They further revealed that they had no shelter and had been living at Kalyan Station.  

The bench was also informed that they were unable to find a job and had no money.

"They are not the accused. It is not their fault. Why should they suffer. They should not be punished for something their son is accused of doing. What can be done? Can they not be rehabilitated somewhere with the help of their government? Some NGO can help find them a job or shelter. They need to be able to survive and have a livelihood," the bench said. 

The bench has now posted the matter for further hearing on January 13. 

The committee formed by the high court for giving suggestions to ensure safety of children in the schools is also expected to submit its report in January.