Today, On 27th February, Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that laws made for women’s safety should be properly enforced. He stressed that the police and legal system have a big responsibility in ensuring justice. He also called for quick action, proper investigations, and strict punishment for offenders. His statement highlights the need for stronger implementation of laws to protect women.
Amid the anger in Pune over the rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary state transport bus at the busy Swargate station, former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the necessity of “well-lit and secure public spaces.”
Chandrachud remarked,
“I have been informed that the incident occurred at the Swargate bus stand, which is indeed close to a police station. However, while the primary responsibility rests with law enforcement, the overall accountability lies with all institutions and authorities overseeing public spaces. This issue transcends mere law and order; it is fundamentally about creating safe environments for women,”
He stressed the importance of ensuring well-lit and secure spaces where the core principles of safety and security are maintained whether in workplaces, transportation hubs, hospitals, educational institutions, or hostels.
Regarding the effectiveness of legal changes, former Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud commented on Thursday afternoon,
“Many changes were implemented after the ‘Nirbhaya’ incident… but we cannot prevent such occurrences solely through legislation.”
He added,
“We must make concerted efforts at various societal levels to prevent such incidents from occurring,”
He stated,
“There is a significant responsibility on society, and it is crucial that laws designed for women’s protection are effectively enforced,”
The former Chief Justice emphasized,
“Women must feel safe wherever they are. In such cases, it is vital to ensure a thorough investigation, prompt action, swift trials, and appropriate punishment. The legal system and police play a crucial role in making this happen,”
Reflecting on the 12th anniversary of the Delhi rape case last December, ‘Nirbhaya’s’ mother expressed her sorrow over the continued insecurity for women across India.
“It pains me deeply to say that even after 12 years, nothing has changed… Our daughters are not safe,”
She said, fighting back tears at the National Convention on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children.
She added,
“Whatever laws we have should be implemented meaningfully so that our daughters receive justice,”
Asha Devi, ‘Nirbhaya’s’ mother, has led a long and arduous battle for justice for her daughter.
Between the ‘Nirbhaya’ case and the Pune bus rapes, there have been numerous horrific incidents, including the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital last August and the gang rape of a 20-year-old Dalit woman in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.
Additionally, countless reports have emerged of minors being sexually assaulted and killed, often by family members those who are morally obligated to ensure their safety and well-being.
According to police reports, the incident took place on Tuesday around 5:45 AM when the victim was waiting for a bus to Phaltan at one of the platforms. The accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade (36), approached her, claiming that the bus to Satara was at another platform.
He tricked her to an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus parked elsewhere, and despite her initial hesitation due to the lack of lights inside, he convinced her to enter. He then followed her inside and assaulted her before fleeing.
Chandrachud highlighted that significant changes were made to the legal framework following the ‘Nirbhaya’ incident but asserted that laws alone cannot prevent such crimes.
He stated,
“While many changes were implemented after the ‘Nirbhaya’ incident, we cannot rely solely on legislation to avert these occurrences. Society bears a significant responsibility, and effective implementation of laws is crucial. Laws designed to protect women must be enforced properly,”
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He further asserted,
“Women should feel safe wherever they go. In such cases, there must be a thorough investigation, decisive action, swift trials, and appropriate punishments. The legal system and law enforcement have substantial responsibilities in this regard,”
Former CJI DY Chandrachud stressed the need for well-lit and secure public spaces following the Pune bus rape case. He emphasized the importance of proper investigations, swift legal action, and strict punishment for offenders.
Chandrachud also highlighted the crucial role of law enforcement and the judiciary in ensuring justice. His remarks underline the urgent need for better public safety measures.