Several Naga tribal women’s organisations have expressed strong concern over the slow progress in the alleged sexual harassment case involving suspended IAS officer Reny Wilfred, saying the delay in the legal process has caused deep disappointment and raised serious questions about accountability and justice.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, 13 Naga women’s organisations said the case, linked to the Investment Development Agency of Nagaland office, involved serious allegations that could not be ignored or treated lightly. The organisations said such offences directly affect the dignity, safety and trust of women in public institutions.
The statement was jointly issued by several organisations, including the Angami Women Organisation, Watsu Telen Kohima, Chakhesang Mothers Association and other tribal women’s bodies based in Kohima.
The organisations said that more than a year had passed since the complaint was filed, yet justice still appeared far away for the victims despite the seriousness of the allegations. They warned that long delays in such cases could weaken public trust in the justice system and encourage offenders by creating a sense of impunity.
According to the statement, although a chargesheet has reportedly been filed in the case, there has been very little movement afterward. The groups said the slow pace of proceedings has added to the trauma faced by survivors and has increased public frustration over the handling of the matter.
The women’s organisations said justice delayed could easily become justice denied if authorities failed to act with urgency and sincerity. They stressed that institutions handling such sensitive cases must work in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.
Calling for faster legal proceedings, the groups demanded immediate and day-to-day hearings in the case. They pointed out that under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, adjournments in criminal cases should only be allowed under exceptional circumstances.
The organisations also referred to the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, saying the law clearly provides guidance in cases involving offences of this nature. They said the legal process must continue fairly and without outside influence or pressure from any group or individual.
