The Supreme Court has taken notice of several rape cases in Delhi, emphasizing the need for accountability and addressing systemic issues in public safety.
On Monday, the Supreme Court took suo moto cognisance of a series of rape cases that have occurred in Delhi this month, underlining a perceived 'systematic failure' of the law enforcement authorities and the administration to ensure basic public safety. According to The Print, at least 13 sexual assault incidents have been reported in the capital city this month alone.
One such case involves the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by three men who posed as police personnel near Lady Shri Ram College on September 21. Another incident occurred on August 4, when a 17-year-old was gang raped inside a moving bus for nearly 47 km from Greater Noida to Kashmere Gate without being checked at any police picket. These incidents have drawn parallels with the notorious Nirbhaya case of 2012, as noted by the bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran.
The judges expressed concern over these cases, stating that the right to live with dignity, free from fear of violence, is an essential aspect guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The court also highlighted that public spaces have become 'zones of high risk' due to inadequate illumination, poor surveillance, and other preventable deficiencies.
Further, the judges said that statements made by the authorities and elected representatives expressing concern over such cases, fall short of providing accountability and addressing systemic problems. The bench observed that it is necessary to fix accountability and tackle the root causes of these crimes.
Source:
Scroll.in
