New Delhi: It was no less than a shock for judges when a rape survivor, an acid attack victim, a transgender and an activist working with deaf sexual assault victims recounted their experiences of having the feeling of being overthrown before the trial court. All of them complained of feeling the hostile court atmosphere that made it difficult for them to record their statements.

It was first of its kind interaction where the judges interacted with the victims of sexual assault. This initiative was taken by a Delhi High Court committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal. The two-day workshop at Saket district courts focused on making courtroom practices responsive towards victims of sexual offences.

Under the programme, the court has already constituted vulnerable witness courtrooms in Saket and Karkardooma courts — the first one in the country — that provide atmosphere conducive for the victims to record their statements.