All trial courts hearing sexual offence cases in Maharashtra will be exclusively handled by women judges and staff. A circular containing a direction to this effect was issued to all district courts on Thursday night.

The circular stated that Bombay HC Chief Justice Mohit Shah had asked for its implementation with immediate effect to mark the International Women's Day.

The circular issued and signed by S B Shukre, Registrar General of Bombay HC, reads: "Directions have been issued to assign cases involving sexual assault against women exclusively to courts presided by women judicial officers. It would be desirable that all staff members that is clerks, stenographers, interpreter, typists, peons and police constables are women."

The circular further stated great sensitivity required in cases involving sexual assault against women. "In these cases, women are victims of crime and there is a need to enable them to give their evidence in a stress-free atmosphere and without any fear or embarrassment."

In the wake of Delhi gangrape case, state has set up special courts to handle such offences. One such court has been set up at Kala Ghoda sessions court, which will handle sexual offence cases against women.

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