The
Supreme Court’s notice on Monday to the Union government regarding pan-India
guidelines to safeguard women, children, and transgender persons reflects a
much-needed introspection on our nation’s systemic failure to ensure safety.
However, the discussion has also sparked contentious debates, particularly on
extreme punitive measures such as chemical castration. While there is no
denying the urgency of the issue, India must tread a path that focuses on
prevention, accountability, and systemic reforms rather than resorting to
reactionary solutions.
The
plea, brought forth by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, highlights
an alarming reality: sexual crimes against women, especially in smaller towns,
remain vastly underreported and ignored. The horrific RG Kar Medical College
incident in Kolkata, along with the recent surge in sexual violence,
exemplifies how deeply entrenched patriarchy and impunity remain in Indian
society. Despite stringent laws enacted post-Nirbhaya in 2012, implementation
remains abysmally weak, creating an environment where perpetrators act without
fear of consequences.
While
proposals for chemical castration as a deterrent might emerge out of
frustration, such measures veer dangerously close to retributive justice, often
undermining human rights. The Supreme Court rightly observed that such
punishments are “barbaric” and “harsh,” yet it acknowledged the critical need
for innovative solutions to address societal failures. Harsh laws alone are
insufficient if they are not supported by efficient implementation and systemic
changes.
The
focus must shift from post-crime punishments to prevention and safety
infrastructure. Issues such as unsafe public transportation, poorly lit
streets, lack of clean public toilets, and inadequate security measures for
workplaces contribute significantly to women’s vulnerability. Justice Surya
Kant’s remarks on the importance of maintaining proper behaviour in public
transport underscore a larger problem—India’s failure to instill respect and
accountability among its citizens. Awareness campaigns on social behaviour,
victim-centric police training, and stricter enforcement of laws in public
spaces are long overdue.
Moreover,
technological interventions like installing CCTV cameras in workplaces and
public spaces, streamlining online complaint systems, and ensuring expeditious
hearings for sexual violence cases can significantly bolster women’s safety.
However, these measures must not infringe on personal freedoms or create
surveillance states; their intent should always remain rooted in empowerment,
not control.
The
society’s deep-seated culture of victim-blaming must be dismantled. Educating
both men and women on gender equality, fostering conversations about consent,
and integrating life skills into school curricula can create long-term cultural
change. The Scandinavian model, cited by the petitioner, exemplifies this:
safety stems from societal respect and equality, not just draconian laws.
