New Delhi: Observing that insensitive judicial remarks in sexual assault cases can have a “chilling effect” on victims, their families, and society, the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday indicated it may issue comprehensive guidelines for high courts and trial courts on how to make observations and issue orders in such cases.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard lawyers during suo motu proceedings initiated after the SC took cognisance of a March 17 order by the Allahabad High Court. Lawyers highlighted that several high courts, including those in Calcutta and Rajasthan, have recently made similar remarks, some suggesting victim behaviour contributed to the crime.

Senior advocate Shobha Gupta noted that the Allahabad High Court had remarked that an i

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