Supreme Court accepts petition for reconsideration of security measures

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a plea seeking new security measures to deal with rising crimes against women, children and transgender persons and provide them a safe environment. This petition has been filed by senior lawyer Mahalakshmi Pavani on behalf of the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association. The court has sought answers from various ministries of the central government including the Home Ministry in this matter. This petition will be heard in January 2025.

Arguments of the petitioner’s lawyer

Petitioner’s lawyer Mahalakshmi Pavani argued in the court that the significance of this day increases because it is the 12th anniversary of the Nirbhaya gang rape incident. Pavani also referred to the incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Hospital, where a doctor was raped and murdered.

She also pointed out that around 95 new cases of sexual violence were reported after this incident, but they did not receive enough attention at the national level. He has demanded stringent penal provisions in the petition so that such crimes can be effectively stopped.

Major demands made in the petition

1. Chemical sterilization of rape convicts:
   • The petition demands chemical sterilization as a harsh punishment for rape convicts.
2. Ban on Pornography:
   • It has been recommended to ban obscene content promoting sexual violence.
3. Strict punishment and no bail policy:
   • The petition demands not to grant bail to those accused of rape and sexual violence.

Supreme Court notice and Attorney General’s help

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Government and the concerned ministries and sought a reply within four weeks. Also, the Supreme Court has asked the Attorney General to cooperate in this matter. The Court believes that some of the demands made in the petition may be difficult to implement practically.

Guidelines for safety and behavior in public transport

The Supreme Court has termed the appeal to prepare guidelines for appropriate social behavior in public transport as important. The court says that this should not only be taught but also strictly implemented.

Why are these guidelines necessary?

1. Safety in buses, trains and planes:
   • There have been several incidents of unpleasant behavior on planes in recent times.
   • There is a need for strict guidelines for the safety of women and children on buses, trains and airports.
2. social awareness:
   • It is important to increase awareness among people about social behavior and fix responsibility.

Strict steps necessary for women’s safety

In view of the increasing crimes against women, children and transgender community in India, this initiative of the Supreme Court is quite important. The stringent punishment and strict rules demanded in the petition can prove to be a positive step towards ensuring the safety of women and weaker sections in the society.