Whenever any gruesome rape is committed against any woman in India, why does everyone start trending #JusticeforXYZ? Why does no one demand judicial and police reforms? A woman reports a rape every 15 minutes in India, according to the country’s crime statistics. Modern India is unsafe for half her citizens. Is asking for mob and street justice enough to defeat the rapidly increasing rape cases?
Why does no one demand the implementation of the Justice JS Verma Committee Report in its letter and spirit from the government? Why does no one ask to strengthen the police corps for the preservation of the rule of law, which is a basic feature of our Constitution? Why does no one ask our government to implement the directives of Prakash Singh case?
Nirbhaya Fund, a supplementary fund which was set up in 2013 for enhancing the safety and security of women in the country, largely remains underutilized. Underutilization of fund shows the apathy of the government towards the women of our country.
Even after 70 years of independence, India is still under the grasp of delayed decisions and denied justice. The ratio of judges per citizen is alarmingly inadequate with 17 per 1 million residents. India needs to wake up to the dire need for strengthening the judicial system.
We all should realise this today that implementation of law in its letter and spirit is the surest way of securing the interest of victims. The need of the hour is ensuring accountability, 100% conviction and better enforcement of existing laws.
Otherwise, the mere writing of two liners on women safety, politicising the case, adding a caste angle, accusing the political parties, calling the victim Sita and correlating the case with Ram Mandir, trending #JusticeForABC and demanding “चौराहे पर फांसी दो” (Hang the culprits on crossroads) will not change the situation. Rape will not stop with this drama.
Effective deterrence can emanate from sure, strict and swift justice only. Crime against women must be taken up with the utmost importance from a societal perspective also. As we say, home is the first school where every kid learns the basic etiquettes. We need to start this from home. While teaching the kids of our home G for ‘Girl’ also teach them, R for ‘Respect’.
The nation has to account for its Naari Shakti.