New Delhi, Dec 16: The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear a plea seeking the framing of pan-India guidelines to ensure a safe environment for women, children, and transgender persons in society.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notices to various ministries and instrumentalities of the Central Government and scheduled the next hearing for January.
Concerns Raised
Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pawani, representing the petitioner Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, highlighted the prevalence of unreported cases of sexual abuse, especially in smaller cities. She cited instances such as the RG Kar Medical College Hospital case in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered, and emphasized the need for stricter measures.
Pawani advocated for stringent punishments like chemical castration, akin to Scandinavian countries, to deter offenders. However, the bench expressed reservations about extreme punitive measures, terming some proposals “barbaric” and “harsh.”
Focus on Social Behaviour
Justice Surya Kant suggested creating awareness around proper conduct in public transport, including buses, metros, and trains. He emphasized the importance of implementing and publicizing “do’s and don’ts” for social behavior in public utility vehicles, citing recent incidents in airlines as examples.
“Awareness about proper social conduct should not only be taught but strictly enforced,” Justice Kant remarked.
Implementation Challenges
The bench pointed out the need to examine gaps in the implementation of existing laws and guidelines. Pawani noted that despite stringent laws and guidelines, their enforcement remains inconsistent.
On the 12th anniversary of the Nirbhaya case, the plea underscored the importance of addressing systemic shortcomings to prevent crimes against women and marginalized groups. The bench directed notices to be issued to the concerned ministries and instrumentalities through the office of the Attorney General.
“We appreciate the efforts to seek relief for the common woman, who faces struggles in day-to-day life,” Justice Surya Kant remarked during the hearing.
The association has sought comprehensive guidelines and reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable groups across the country
