Mere slogans. No deterrent, quick action against perpetrators of even gruesome crimes against women. Whatever legislation is available is not enforced in letter and spirit and conviction rate is what emboldens the depraved culprits. The law enforcing agencies should be equipped with proper scientific methods of investigations. The evidence gathered does not stand the scrutiny of the law.
The Nirbhaya incident caught the attention of India and shook the nation of its lethargy. There was outrage but the criminals are still languishing in limbo. It has not stopped the crime rate even in Delhi. The allocated Nirbhaya funds are not even used to the fullest. The crime against women by statistics have only multiplied. What is deplorable is that the crimes against minors, little innocent children, students, murders, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual abuse, dowry deaths, trafficking, acid attacks have on the contrary shown an upward trend. Women in India are not safe even in their own homes. Even foreign tourists have been at the receiving end of sexual crimes.
There is no fear of the law at all. It takes years for cases to conclude. Women judges would be better disposed towards the plight of its own gender. The victims would be more comfortable while deposing the facts. The hearing should be held in camera. Graphic details by press and other social media needs to be banned. Victims should not be compelled to relive the horrific, traumatic details of unpleasant experience. The cases of such nature must be fast tracked within 3 months at the most. The judges should be sensitive in dealing with the victims. The law involving minors should undergo sea change, as the nature of crimes is shocking and degree of the crime is a fit case to be treated as adult accused.
The process of education is long and we cannot wait indefinitely hoping things to improve. The talk of restriction of women movements at nights unaccompanied, dress code, are archaic hogwash. Women emancipation, liberation must be ensured enforced and protected. The recent incidents of crimes against women are alarming and chilling. The political class only wakes up occasionally paying lip-service. Even after 7 decades of independence women are still not safe. The only redeeming feature is that women are no longer remaining silent but dare to confront boldly. The stigma attached does not deter the weaker sections. The blame is always put on women, where as men go scot-free.
