Tribal women bodies lead Kohima rally demanding speedy trial, governor's intervention and justice in Reny Wilfred sexual harassment case.
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KOHIMA — Women, students, civil society organisations and members of the public on Friday participated in a rally at the capital organised by the tribal women bodies of Kohima, calling for an expeditious trial in the sexual harassment case involving IAS officer Reny Wilfred and urging the governor to intervene to ensure timely justice.
The rally began at the Old MLA Hostel Junction and proceeded to Lok Bhavan, where a memorandum was submitted to the governor.
In the memorandum, the women bodies stated that the sexual harassment case involving Reny Wilfred, registered on April 2, 2025, has been subjected to repeated delays despite the filing of the charge sheet.
“The case of sexual harassment perpetrated by Mr. Reny Wilfred, IAS, on 10 members of his subordinate employees has been dragging on for too long, and the accused has been indulging in all delay tactics, thereby impeding the justice process," the memorandum stated.
The organisations expressed concern over the continued entertainment of such applications and the resulting delay in proceedings.
They maintained that the continued delay in the case despite the filing of the charge sheet undermines the principle of fair and expeditious justice and risks fostering a sense of impunity among perpetrators.
Charter of demands
Seeking the Governor's personal intervention, the organisations submitted a three-point charter of demands, urging that no further undue delays be allowed in the proceedings and that the trial be conducted in a fair, impartial and time-bound manner.
They also demanded that, pending the final adjudication of the case, the accused remain under suspension and not be reinstated, posted or entrusted with any official duties or responsibilities in any department or public office.
The organisations further demanded that, in the event of a conviction under the relevant provisions of law, the accused should be permanently barred from serving under Nagaland government in any capacity and prohibited from holding any public office or position in the state.
The memorandum stated that the rule of law requires those in positions of authority to uphold the dignity and rights of victims and survivors, refrain from influencing investigations or judicial proceedings, and ensure that the justice delivery system remains impartial and credible.
The organisations further observed that incidents of sexual harassment and violence against women and children have become increasingly alarming, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards for vulnerable groups and a justice system that commands public confidence.
Referring to another case involving Reny Wilfred, the memorandum stated that while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, he was accused of molesting two minor girls.
According to the memorandum, a criminal case was registered against him under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The organisations stated that although trials under the POCSO Act are mandated to be completed within one year from the date the court takes cognisance of the offence, the case remains pending several years later.
With regard to the case registered on April 2, 2025, the memorandum stated that the women who had lodged complaints against the officer had since lost their contractual jobs and remained unemployed.
The organisations alleged that, despite coming forward to report the alleged sexual harassment, the complainants were now facing financial hardship and economic insecurity.
“We are profoundly disturbed that despite the filing of the charge sheet, the trial has remained at a standstill owing to the delay tactics repeatedly resorted to by the accused,” the memorandum read.
Providing a chronology of the proceedings, the memorandum stated that an FIR was registered against the accused on April 2, 2025.
However, the accused filed a writ petition before the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court seeking to quash the FIR, but the petition was dismissed. The accused later challenged the High Court's order before the Supreme Court, which also dismissed the appeal.
The memorandum further stated that the accused subsequently filed a criminal revision petition before the Kohima Bench of GHC challenging the District and Sessions Court's dismissal of his discharge petition. According to the organisations, the High Court admitted the revision petition.
It added that although the victims had been summoned to appear before the Sessions Court on June 9, 2026, the matter was adjourned and rescheduled to July 14, 2026 owing to the pendency of the criminal revision petition.
“The repeated recourse to successive legal proceedings and the consequent postponement of the trial have resulted in further delay in the administration of justice causing deep anguish and concern to the victims and the community at large,” it stated.
The organisations also drew the governor's attention to recent cases of crimes against women and children reported from different parts of the state, including cases involving rape and sexual abuse of minors and women.
Condemning such incidents, they demanded exemplary punishment for perpetrators in accordance with the law and called for the expeditious disposal of such cases.
The memorandum further stated that prolonged delays in legal proceedings and failure to secure convictions within a reasonable time contribute to a perception of impunity and undermine efforts to combat crimes against women and children.
Representatives of various organisations also addressed the gathering during the rally, expressing solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and reiterating the demand for timely justice.
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