28/08/2024
Perilous Reality
The Supreme Court's recent intervention in the Kolkata case underscores a deep and troubling reality: the safety of women in India remains precarious, especially for those in vulnerable professions like healthcare. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud’s decision to establish a National Task Force (NTF) to recommend safety protocols for healthcare professionals highlights the urgent need for systemic reform. However, this move also sheds light on the broader issue of institutional failures that continue to put women at risk.
The situation is further exacerbated by the irresponsible handling of sensitive information, such as the sharing of the victim’s identity on social media, in clear violation of Indian laws. This not only endangers the victim but also reflects a deeper societal issue—one that trivializes and mishandles crimes against women. Despite the legal reforms introduced after the 2012 Delhi r**e, including harsher punishments, the reality remains grim. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 4.45 lakh cases of crimes against women in 2022, equating to nearly 51 FIRs every hour. This stark statistic reveals that while laws exist on paper, their implementation and the societal change required to support them are woefully lacking.
CJI Chandrachud’s observation that protocols cannot remain merely on paper is a crucial reminder of the need for real-world action. The systemic failure to protect women is rooted not just in inadequate laws but in the broader societal and institutional reluctance to enforce them effectively. Justice R. Banumathi’s words during the 2017 confirmation of the death penalty for the 2012 Delhi r**e convicts still resonate: without a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and a genuine commitment to gender justice, laws alone will not suffice.
The “reclaim the night” campaigns following the R.G. Kar incident are a powerful testament to women’s ongoing struggle for safety. These movements should serve as a wake-up call to governments and society. Women’s safety must be prioritized in both policy and practice. The Supreme Court’s intervention is a critical step, but it must lead to sustained efforts to address the pervasive threat of gender violence in India. Only through rigorous enforcement of safety protocols and a genuine societal commitment to change can we hope to secure a safer future for women in our country.
from sikkimexpress Editorial
