NSCW counsel flags repeated adjournments in case against IAS officer Reny Wilfred

KOHIMA — The lawyer representing Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) in the case against IAS officer Reny Wilfred on Monday raised concerns over repeated adjournments sought by the latter’s counsel, delaying the progress of the matter in the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court.

Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Vrinda Grover, the NSCW lawyer, said that on every date the commission has pressed for arguments, Wilfred’s counsel has sought an adjournment despite being informed in advance of her appearance before the court.

“In my experience, this is usually done because you are hoping that the parties as well as the lawyer—and I travel from Delhi for this matter—will get exhausted, will give up, will tire out,” she said. “Neither the Nagaland Women’s Commission nor I are going to leave the matter simply because some adjournments are being sought.”

Also read: No stay in trial: HC extends deadlines in Reny Wilfred sexual harassment petition

She maintained that the commission has filed all its responses and replies and has been ready to argue. However, each time the matter is listed for arguments on Wilfred’s petition, his counsel seeks more time.

Grover appeared on behalf of the NSCW and its three members, who were impleaded in the case. She described the impleadment as “unusual” and an “attempt to intimidate” the women as well as the commission.

According to her, the court on Monday noted that pleadings are “almost complete” and directed the petitioner’s side to ensure the presence of an arguing counsel on the next date. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on December 9.

Grover added that the court has already clarified that there is no stay on the trial. The trial court is expected to take up the matter on November 26 for proceedings leading to the framing of charges.

She said that once charges are framed, arguments will be presented by the prosecution, counsel for the victims (if any), and the defence, following which the trial will begin.

“There are multiple ways in which women are deterred from speaking the truth and giving evidence and testimony in trial courts. This delay invariably favours the accused,” she said, emphasising that any attempts to delay proceedings were not from the commission’s side.

The commission, Grover said, would ensure that the case proceeds in keeping with the purpose of the laws enacted to secure justice for women. “Therefore, speedy trial is very necessary,” she maintained.

She added that the chargesheet filed in June contains statements from around ten women, recorded both by the police and by a magistrate under relevant provisions. The chargesheet invokes Sections 74, 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 3(1) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Grover said the statements indicate a “pattern” of misconduct and abuse of authority. “It is clearly an abuse of position of power and authority, and I would imagine that the Nagaland state would be very keen to weed out any civil servant who is abusing his position of power and authority to sexually harass young women,” she said.

She noted that women across age groups are increasingly speaking out. “They are no longer willing to suffer the wrong silently. Women are standing up, complaining, speaking up, and I think the message actually comes from these young women… who have come together to challenge this kind of abuse of power,” she said.

Wilfred, a 2015-batch IAS officer, had moved the High Court seeking to quash an FIR and complaint filed by NSCW alleging sexual harassment during his tenure as Joint Secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN). He is currently under suspension and has also filed a petition seeking to quash the chargesheet.