The Court noted “A destitute and distressed tribal woman was assaulted, paraded and dragged by a motorcycle. The incident which has happened on 28th January is wildly reported in print and electronic media and the video of the ill-fated incident has been circulated in social media as well. Such kind of incident not only impacts the social and mental wellbeing of women across the State but has wide ramification because of unfettered social media.”
Gujarat: The Gujarat High Court has taken suo-motu (on its own) notice of a shocking incident in Dahod district, where a tribal woman was reportedly disrobed, paraded, and dragged by a motorcycle. The incident, which occurred on January 28, has sparked outrage, especially after videos of the incident were widely circulated on social media.
A division bench of Justice A.S. Supehia and Justice Gita Gopi strongly condemned the assault, calling it an “outrageous“ act. The Court also expressed concerns about the uncontrolled spread of such videos on social media, stating that it has “wide ramifications.”
The High Court stressed the serious impact such incidents have on society, particularly on women’s safety and mental well-being.
The Court noted “A destitute and distressed tribal woman was assaulted, paraded and dragged by a motorcycle. The incident which has happened on 28th January is wildly reported in print and electronic media and the video of the ill-fated incident has been circulated in social media as well. Such kind of incident not only impacts the social and mental wellbeing of women across the State but has wide ramification because of unfettered social media.”
The Gujarat High Court has directed the State Government to inform the court about the steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Additionally, the Court has asked the government to provide details on the security and medical care being offered to victims, especially destitute tribal women facing similar situations.
Further, the Court has questioned how videos of such incidents are allowed to be circulated on social media, raising concerns over the lack of regulation.
“It is also heart-wrenching that there is no restraint or check on social media which allows the videos of a disrobed victim being circulated which is a feed for the sadist who take pleasure in circulating and enjoying the plight of a helpless and deserted lady. The State government shall also apprise this court on this issue also.”
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 12, 2025, and has asked the State Government to submit a report on the action taken in response to its directions.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
