The Supreme Court’s ruling that adopting a soft approach on cases of rape or attempt to rape would be a “spectacular error” and that there cannot be any compromise or mediation on this score should hit the nail on the head.
The ruling comes close on the heels of the Madras High Court allowing a man who raped a teenager in 2002 to leave jail for a mediation session. Rape is a crime which demeans and objectifies women in the worst possible manner. Any compromise on this account leading to a “happy conclusion” between the victim and the rapist would only mean taking the side of the offender. Besides, a third class citizen like a rapist has no place in a civilized society and deserves nothing less than an exemplary punishment.
Adopting a soft approach towards rapists could only trigger more such crimes and prove detrimental in the long run. The apex court has done well to put things in proper perspective.
