Today, On 21st July, The Supreme Court heard a plea by the SC Women Lawyers Association seeking chemical castration for sexual offenders and nationwide safety reforms, as Justice Surya Kant said, “We should not only take steps after a tragedy.”
The Supreme Court heard a writ petition filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, which demanded stronger reforms and nationwide guidelines to ensure safety and protection for women.
The petition also includes a strong request to make chemical castration mandatory for sexual offenders.
The matter heard by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
Senior Advocate Mahalaxmi, appearing for the association, informed the court about the seriousness of the issue and said,
“Yesterday, a girl was set on fire.”
Responding to this, Justice Surya Kant clarified his earlier position and said,
“We are equally concerned; my earlier remark was only on my own behalf.”
His statement showed that the bench is sensitive towards the rising crimes against women and the urgent need for preventive measures. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati appeared on behalf of the Union Government.
However, Justice Surya Kant pointed out an issue with the case file and said,
“The counter affidavit is not on record, it may have been misplaced by the registry.”
Justice Kant urged everyone involved to look at long-term solutions rather than reacting only after a tragedy occurs.
He said,
“Simply explore potential solutions broad, comprehensive directions that the court can effectively issue to ensure the intended impact is truly achieved.”
He then advised the petitioners to consider involving the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), saying,
“Why don’t you avail the platform of NALSA?”
Justice Kant further said that special care must be taken for underprivileged groups and people who do not have access to proper legal help or platforms to raise their voice.
He pointed out a common issue in the justice system and remarked,
“We should not only take steps when a tragedy takes place. That is what is inherently wrong with the system.”
He also said that a female victim might feel more comfortable speaking to a woman who is approachable and already connected to her community.
He noted,
“The victim would find it better to confide in the female paralegal volunteer. Anganwadi worker and female school teachers can also be there.”
Justice Kant added that the court is already planning new initiatives and said,
“We are going to announce and implement some schemes in a coming programme of NALSA. Let’s do something about this also. You come up with a proposal, we will also think about it.”
The matter has now been listed for hearing next Tuesday.
The court is expected to look into possible nationwide reforms and may suggest detailed guidelines to improve the system, especially for vulnerable and underprivileged women, to ensure that such crimes are prevented and victims get timely support and justice.
Case Title: SUPREME COURT WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION V UNION OF INDIA AND ORS W.P.(Crl.) No. 526/2024