Delhi gang rape trial begins

A court is set to hear Vasant Vihar gang rape case, after The Delhi High Court accepted the Indian government's proposal to hear rape cases in fast-track courts.

The decision to hold the hearing at a fast-track court came during Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's meeting with Delhi High Court Chief Justice Darmar Murugesan following widespread protests.

At the end of the meeting, Shinde promised a speedy trial in the rape case involving the 23-year-old paramedic student, who was allegedly raped and beaten by six men on a bus in South Delhi on December 16.

The incident, which also involved a male friend, who was beaten by the men, sparked protests across the nation, which at times turned violent.

"It is their right to protest peacefully. We have been allowing them for three days. But when these protesters got excited and other elements got into this, then we had to do this inquiry. One of the constables is very serious. We have no issue on peaceful protest and we have already agreed to all their demands," Shinde said.

A day before the trial, the Chief Justice held a meeting with chief secretaries and director generals of police from all Indian states to discuss complaints about rape and sexual harassment across the country.