A division bench of Justice A R Masoodi and Justice B R Singh passed the above order on Monday on the suo motu petition filed in connection with the incident that occurred in Mau. In September 2016, a woman was raped on a moving train in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district and later thrown out with her ankle chopped
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UTTAR PRADESH: The Allahabad High Court has taken a proactive step towards addressing the safety concerns on Indian Railways by issuing a notice to the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. This action stems from a harrowing incident that occurred in September 2016, where a woman was subjected to gang rape on a moving train in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district, followed by a brutal act of violence that left her with a chopped ankle. The court’s intervention highlights a pressing need for enhanced safety measures on trains and at railway stations across the country.
The bench, comprising Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Brij Raj Singh, has revisited the issue, which echoes a similar concern raised by the high court in a 2013 matter. Previously, the court had issued directives to the Ministry of Railways to implement measures aimed at preventing such heinous crimes. The recent notice demands the Ministry to
“show cause as to what measures have been taken by it to curb such incidents in the running trains and at the railway stations operated by the Ministry.”
This case, which has been registered as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) suo motu by the high court on September 19, 2016, underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding passengers’ rights and ensuring their safety. The incident not only sheds light on the vulnerability of women in public transport but also calls into question the effectiveness of the safety protocols currently in place.
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During the latest hearing, the Additional Government Advocate (AGA) informed the division bench that the victim had been compensated with a sum of Rs. 2,81,000 out of the total due compensation of Rs. 3,75,000. The court, seeking clarity on the disbursement of the remaining amount, has asked the AGA to provide explanations before the next hearing date, scheduled for March 4, 2024.
This ongoing case, represents a critical juncture in the fight against crime in public transportation. It not only highlights the judiciary’s role in advocating for victim compensation and justice but also emphasizes the need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and security of passengers, especially women, on India’s vast railway network. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the measures adopted by the Ministry of Railways in response to the court’s directives and the broader impact on passenger safety initiatives.
CASE TITLE:
In Re Mau Incident v. State of U.P.
READ ORDER:
GOVERNMENT HELPLINES
For any issue related to Violence against Women
Please Call on Helpline : 7827-170-170
For any emergency assistance
Please call women helpline numbe 112.
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