Ranchi, September 18 (HS). While hearing the case on Wednesday, Jharkhand High Court verbally said that the state government will have to take special initiatives to prevent sexual harassment of women and minor children. The case was heard in the division bench of High Court's Acting Chief Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai.
The court said that the police administration should take strict action on this. There should be lady teachers in school buses so that the children remain safe. It would be even better if the bus conductor is a woman. The state government told the court that the government will make a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to control sexual harassment against women and minor children. The state government will make an effective plan to ensure the safety of women and minor children not only in Ranchi but in all the districts of the state.
The government also gave a suggestion to the court after talking to various departments, on which the division bench has directed to present it through an affidavit. Additional Advocate Sachin Kumar argued on behalf of the state government. Advocate Bharti Kumari argued on behalf of the petitioner. Bharti Kumari has filed a PIL regarding the increase in incidents of sexual harassment of women and minors in Jharkhand.
During the hearing in the division bench of the High Court, the Home Secretary, Urban Development Secretary, Ranchi DC and SSP, Secretary of Child Welfare and Women Department and Municipal Commissioner were present in person. The division bench of the High Court verbally told the top officials of the government that till the incidents of crime against women do not decrease in society, the feeling of insecurity will continue to scare women and girls. Taking seriously the incidents of chain snatching from the neck of women in Ranchi city every day, the court verbally said that the Ranchi SSP should control this crime, otherwise it will be considered a failure of the district administration.
The court said that everyday it is reported in newspapers that women's chains are snatched in front of their houses or in the market premises. Sometimes some accused are caught but it is important to catch their racket. Out of fear, women have started wearing fake jewellery but the snatchers start beating them on seeing the fake jewellery. Ranchi SSP should maintain law and order. Ranchi SSP should do surprise inspections at various places at night. If someone is in trouble, the helpline number should be available all the time so that he can get immediate protection. There should be CCTV cameras everywhere in Ranchi city so that criminal incidents can be controlled. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for September 30.