- The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case of a junior doctor has caused severe heartburn and outrage among the cross-sections of society leading to impromptu strikes expressing solidarity with the departed soul and the bereaved family. The glaring loopholes in the safety and security of women in the country stand starkly exposed despite several measures initiated by the authorities concerned over the years. The impunity with which women are being subjected to gruesome sexual offences mirrors how ineffective those measures have been in deterring the perverts from committing such crimes. Societal indifference toward women in India hasn’t changed on expected lines where patriarchy, misogyny, and anachronistic mindset prevail.
PC: Mint
- Astonishingly, rather than further strengthen the existing laws safeguarding women from brutal attacks, the political parties are attempting to score brownie points in the face of a monumental tragedy. The politicians are at it again rendering a great disservice by demanding instant justice to whip up emotions and play up to the gallery. Bengal CM is agitating for the death penalty for rape convicts and setting ultimatums for investigators in the RG Kar case. How convenient? Before that, TMC and BJP sparred over fast-track courts. As political rivalry hits fever pitch, outrage over sexual violence has been reduced to an instrument, rather than being seen for the pervasive crisis it is. Moreover, seeing how political leaders are fishing in troubled waters is plain sickening.
- Instead of justice, we witness a demeaning competition over which leader asked for the quicker fix, and who demanded the more dire punishment. Setting summary deadlines to punish culprits, fighting over fast-track courts, and so on, are about playing to a mob, not furthering justice. Our unforgivably slow, interrupted judicial process does let down victims of sexual crime, and this needs redress. But legal trials are about examining evidence and sifting the claims of defence and prosecution – where hurry is as bad as the delay the need for speed can cause cases to collapse because of shoddy investigation. Today, even state administrations are destroying due process, in their quest to appear like avenging action heroes. Look not far from the UP/MP administration.
PC: Mint
- Bulldozer demolitions, or extra-judicial police murders that are monikered encounters, might appease a section of the public that has already decided who the criminal is. However, the mood of the majority or the careerism of political leaders should not goad courts into cutting corners or denying the accused their right to a full defence. The idea of settling scores or delivering rough justice to pre-decided targets, rather than the patient labour of a fair trial, erodes the legitimacy of law enforcement. All our fundamental rights depend on this understanding and on an impartial legal process. Public sentiment around sexual violence is real as women are crying out for safety and autonomy. The authorities must address this malaise forthwith. Yes, speedy disposal will help.
