Plea Seeks Law To Castrate Sex Offenders, Supreme Court Says THIS

The Supreme Court has accepted a petition seeking nationwide guidelines to improve safety for women, children, and transgenders. The court also emphasised the need for proper social behavior in public transport.

File Photo of Supreme Court

Source : PTI

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea seeking the formulation of nationwide guidelines to ensure a safer environment for women, children, and transgender persons in society. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notices to various central ministries and government agencies and scheduled the matter for further hearing in January.  

The plea, filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA), was presented by senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani. Pavani suggested introducing stringent measures such as chemical castration for offenders, akin to those implemented in Scandinavian countries. However, the bench deemed some of the proposed punishments "barbaric and harsh" but acknowledged the need to examine innovative aspects of the petition, news agency PTI reported.

"Some of the issues are very innovative. We strongly appreciate and admire it. But some of the directions you are seeking are also barbaric. You are asking for relief for the common woman on the streets in society, who are vulnerable and those who face resistance in day-to-day life," the bench stated.

She highlighted the rising incidents of sexual violence, especially in smaller cities, which often go unreported and neglected. Referring to the recent RG Kar Medical College Hospital incident in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered, Pavani stated that about 95 similar cases of sexual violence have occurred but failed to gain public attention.  

SC Bench Lauds Plea For Demanding 'Guidelines For Social Behaviour In Public Transport'

According to PTI, Justice Surya Kant emphasised the importance of maintaining proper behaviour in public transport, stating, "The issue of proper social behaviour in public transport should not only be taught but needs to be implemented strictly." He suggested that "do's and don'ts" for public utility vehicles, including buses, metros, and trains, should be widely publicised as he lauded the petitioner for highlighting it in the plea, "One of the prayers you have asked for is to issue guidelines for social behaviour in public transport. It's a very innovative idea. It's extremely important."

The bench also raised concerns about inappropriate incidents reported from airlines, stressing the need for creating awareness and enforcing behaviour standards across all modes of public transport.  

During the proceedings, Pavani drew attention to the day’s significance, marking the anniversary of the 2012 Nirbhaya case. The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern was brutally gang-raped and assaulted in a bus, leading to her tragic demise. Pavani questioned the efficacy of existing laws and guidelines, asking, "Although guidelines have been issued in many cases and there are stringent laws and punishments, are they being implemented?"  

The bench acknowledged the gap in implementing punitive and penal laws, remarking, "We appreciate you seeking relief for the common woman, who faces struggle in day-to-day life."  

Notices have been directed to the concerned ministries and government agencies through the office of the Attorney General.