Reny Wilfred case: Nagaland State Commission for Women counsel flags repeated adjournments

Supreme Court advocate Vrinda Grover, representing Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), on Monday expressed concern against repeated adjournment pleas made by the counsel for senior IAS officer Reny Wilfred, that have continued to delay the hearing of the sexual harassment case.
Speaking to media persons at NSCW office, Grover said though the respondents had repeatedly urged the court to move forward with the case, yet each time she appeared to present arguments, the opposing counsel requested an adjournment.
During Monday’s hearing, Grover said she drew attention to the repeated adjournment requests made by the petitioner’s counsel, describing it as a recurring pattern. She informed the court that the order sheets were reviewed, following which the bench observed that pleadings in the matter were nearly complete.
Grover lamented at repeated delays in court proceedings, alleging that such tactics were often employed in the hope that litigants will “get exhausted and give up.” She emphasized that she had travelled from Delhi specifically to attend the hearing and assured that neither she nor NSCW would abandon the matter. She further confirmed that all replies from their side had already been filed, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to pursue the case to its logical conclusion. Grover alleged that Reny Wilfred, in his 2025 petition, had impleaded NSCW along with three of its members, describing it as a “desperate attempt” to intimidate both the complainants and the Commission.
She asserted that the charge sheet filed in the case contains detailed statements from the women, establishing a clear case of sexual harassment and molestation. Grover further noted that the investigation has invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as Prevention of Atrocities (ST) Act, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.
She said the case is now before the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court after Wilfred filed a petition seeking to have the FIR and charge sheet against him dismissed. She pointed out that more than ten young women, most of them contractual staff at IDAN, had given statements detailing alleged sexual misconduct and harassment.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 9 and directed the petitioner’s side to ensure the presence of an arguing counsel. Grover informed that there is no stay on the trial, which will go ahead on November 26 with the framing of charges- described as the first and crucial stage of proceedings.