Today, On 16th December, The Supreme Court sought a response from the Centre on a plea seeking uniform pan-India guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment for women. The petition highlights increasing incidents of violence against women and the need for effective measures to address safety concerns. The plea aims to establish nationwide standards for women’s safety in public and private spaces.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court decided to review a petition requesting the establishment of nationwide guidelines to ensure a safe environment for women, children, and transgender individuals.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notices to various central ministries and their bodies, scheduling the next hearing for January.
Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pawani, representing the petitioner, the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, stated,
“Numerous incidents of sexual abuse against women are occurring in smaller cities, often going unreported and swept under the rug.”
Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pawani, representing the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, highlighted that numerous incidents of sexual abuse against women in smaller cities are going unreported and overlooked.
Pawani stated,
“Following the RG Kar Medical College Hospital incident in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered, approximately 95 instances of sexual violence have occurred but received little attention,”
She further suggested that, similar to practices in Scandinavian countries, offenders should face severe penalties such as chemical castration.
The bench noted that it would not consider many of the petition’s requests, labeling them as “barbaric” and “harsh.” However, it acknowledged that certain issues presented are innovative and warrant examination.
Justice Surya Kant remarked that the question of maintaining proper behavior in public transport is significant and emphasized the need for awareness regarding appropriate conduct in buses, metros, and trains.
Adding that the issue of social behavior in public transport should not only be taught but also strictly enforced, referencing inappropriate incidents reported from airlines. He stated,
“The do’s and don’ts in public utility vehicles should be publicized,”
Pawani pointed out that Monday marks the anniversary of the tragic 2012 Nirbhaya case, where a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern was gang-raped and assaulted in a bus, ultimately leading to her death. She questioned whether the existing guidelines and stringent laws are being effectively implemented.
The bench acknowledged the “need to assess where we are lacking in the implementation of punitive and penal laws.”
It directed that notices be issued to the relevant ministries through the office of the Attorney General.
Justice Surya Kant concluded,
“We appreciate your efforts to seek relief for the common woman who struggles in her daily life,”.
The association is advocating for pan-India guidelines, reforms, and measures to protect women.
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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