Defence Counsel Scandalising and Insulting Moral Integrity of Complainants or Witnesses during Cross-examination in Criminal Trials for Sexual or Child Abuse Offences

Asst Prof Mahdev Mohan asked Minister for Law in each year since 2011, how many instances have there been of cross-examination by defence counsel which have been calculated to scandalise and insult the moral integrity of complainants or witnesses in criminal trials concerning sexual or child abuse offences.

Mr K Shanmugam: We do not have the specific numbers requested. However, our discussions with both the courts and the Bar indicate that while this is not yet a serious problem, such conduct does take place.