The Supreme Court has given the Centre six weeks to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) asking for chemical castration of rapists. The Court also allowed the petitioner to share the plea with women lawyers for their suggestions. This move is part of efforts to improve women’s safety and justice for sexual offences. The petitioner can consult experts to strengthen the case.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court granted the Central government an additional six weeks to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks nationwide guidelines aimed at protecting women, implementing reforms for women’s safety, and introducing chemical castration as a penalty for sexual offences.
A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh suggested that the petitioner should circulate the plea to gather suggestions from women lawyers across various High Courts on how to address the issues raised.
The Court remarked,
“Six weeks time granted to State to file counter affidavit… Meanwhile, circulate it and ask women lawyers for suggestions. You can ask suggestions from various sections of society. It should not be restricted to Delhi,”
During the hearing, the Court noted that the Karnataka Federation of Women Lawyers recently requested a 33 percent reservation for women advocates in the Advocates Association of Bengaluru (AAB) and advised the petitioner’s counsel to seek input from such organizations.
The Court recognized the broader implications of the case, stating that there are significant issues where judicial intervention is warranted. The petition was filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) and calls for comprehensive measures to address sexual offences against women, children, and transgender individuals in India.
Among the requests, the petition urges the Court to enforce chemical castration as a punishment for crimes like rape and to establish a ‘no bail’ rule for such severe offences against women. It also seeks a complete ban on online pornography and unfiltered obscenity on OTT platforms, citing that easy access to such content is linked to an increase in sexual crimes nationwide.
Furthermore, the petition demands mandatory installation of CCTVs in workplaces, fast-track trials for rape and sexual harassment cases, and a prohibition on legislators accused of crimes against women from contesting elections until they are acquitted.
This matter was initially brought before the Court on December 16, 2024, when the government was first asked to respond to the PIL.
Representing the SCWLA, Senior Advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani informed the Court that some respondents had yet to submit their responses.
While she acknowledged the existence of stringent laws against crimes targeting women, she emphasized the need for effective implementation, necessitating legal intervention.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on March 24, 2025.
Also Read: Bar Elections | ‘33% Reservation For Women Lawyers’: Karnataka High Court Rejects Pleas
A safe environment for women refers to spaces and communities where women are free from violence, harassment, discrimination, and threats. It includes physical, emotional, and psychological safety in both public and private spheres, promoting gender equality and respect for women’s rights.
Ensuring such an environment requires comprehensive measures and strong laws, including:
- Legal Protection: Strong laws to protect women from violence, harassment, and discrimination, with effective implementation.
- Prevention of Violence: Addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence.
- Public Safety: Ensuring safe transportation, public spaces, and workplaces, and implementing safety measures like surveillance, quick response teams, and helplines.
- Education and Awareness: Promoting gender equality and raising awareness about women’s rights, responsibilities, and safety.
- Support Systems: Access to counseling, shelters, legal aid, and health services for women who face violence or discrimination.
A safe environment also involves societal attitudes where women are respected, and their voices are heard. It requires cooperation between the government, law enforcement, society, and the media to create lasting change.
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