Introduction

The Hon’ble Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre and state governments on a PIL related to women safety. The petition seeks pan-India guidelines on regulation of social behavior in public transport, ban on online pornography content, and punishment of castration for those convicted of sexual crimes against women and children.

Facts of the case

The petition was heard before a bench of Supreme Court Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan. Petitioner’s counsel, senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani urged the court to take several steps to ensure women’s safety. The petitioner said that there are many stringent laws and punishment provisions for women in the country, but these are not being implemented properly, and this is why women constantly feel unsafe.

Petitioner’s argument

The petitioner argued that there is a need for pan-India guidelines for the safety of women, especially for women who feel unsafe in public places. She said that despite having many stringent laws, these are not being followed properly. Additionally, the Petitioner demanded a ban on pornography and installation of CCTV cameras in working places. She also said that MPs and MLAs who are proven guilty of crimes against women should be barred from contesting elections until they are acquitted.

Court’s Observation

The Hon’ble court termed the issues raised by the petitioner as innovative and appreciated them. However, The Hon’ble court also said that some points in the petition are extremely barbaric, and the court cannot consider them. He said that guidelines are needed for the safety of women in society, especially in public transport. The Hon’ble court observed:

“Some of the issues are very innovative, we strongly appreciate and admire. But some of the directions you are seeking are also barbaric. You are asking [relief] for the common woman…on the streets, in the society…who are vulnerable and those who face resistance in day-to-day life…one of the prayers you have asked for is to issue guidelines for social behavior in public transport…it’s a very very innovative idea. It’s extremely important. It does not only need to be taught, it needs to be displayed also – in buses, metros, railways, airport, etc.”

Court’s decision

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the central and state governments and asked them to respond in this matter. Along with this, the court also clarified that if any prayer is rejected by the court, it can be restrained. Some of the instructions sought in the petition may be impractical and excessively harsh according to the court, but the court will consider these issues further. The next hearing of the petition will be in January 2025.

Credits: Deeksha Rai