Rajiv Sharma, J.

On the oral prayer of learned counsel for the petitioner, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through its Secretary is added/arrayed as respondent no.8, in view of the letter addressed to one of us (Rajiv Sharma, J.) by the father of the inmate. Mr. Rakesh Thapliyal, learned Asst. Solicitor General appearing for Union of India has waived service of notice on behalf of newly arrayed respondent.

2. A question of grave public importance has been raised in the present petition (PIL) highlighting the molestation, rape, harassment and victimization of Nari Niketans inmates in the State of Uttarakhand, more particularly, in Nari Niketan, Kedrapuram, Dehradun.

3. It is averred in the petition that in the State, two inmates of Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun have died under mysterious circumstances. One deaf and dumb inmate has been subjected to rape/sexual harassment and forcible abortion. The death of two inmates is suspicious. The State has not taken any appropriate action to ascertain the cause of death of two inmates. One sweeper was arrested in s