``Rape is the most hated crime. It violates the most cherished fundamental right... Rape is a crime not only against the victim but also against the entire society,'' observed Mr. Justice P.D. Dinakaran of the Madras High Court today.

The judge was disposing of two petitions relating to the sensational `Rita Mary gang-rape case'. The victim was allegedly raped by a group of prison personnel when she was lodged in the Gingee sub-jail in October this year.

(On November 23, the court asked the Inspector-General for all-women police stations, Ms. G. Thilakavathi, to probe the allegation and submit a report. Based on her report, the court on December 4 asked the Government to consider granting an interim compensation to the victim. Accordingly, it sanctioned Rs. 5 lakhs to Ms. Rita Mary on December 12).

Today, Mr. Justice Dinakaran said the amount should be invested in the Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation for a minimum of five years. The deposit should be renewed once in three years, and the monthly interest be paid to Ms. Rita Mary for her livelihood.

Describing the government offer to allot a Housing Board dwelling unit to her as `benign', the judge said the decision should be given effect to expeditiously, ``in any event within 90 days''. Ms. Rita Mary, however, should not either rent, lease out or transfer the house to any third party during her lifetime.

Mr. Justice Dinakaran asked the Government to establish separate sub-jails to house women prisoners, under the exclusive administration of trained women personnel. Until then, they should be housed in vigilance homes. The media should be mindful of its obligations as well as the victim's future while reporting on such sensitive cases.

Mr. Justice Dinakaran said ``this court extensively appreciates the benevolent gesture of the Government towards the hapless victim-girl''.