The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) on Monday, seeking the formulation and implementation of nationwide safety guidelines to protect women.
The plea requests the court to develop comprehensive reforms and measures to address rising concerns over the safety and security of women across the country.
According to the schedule published on the Supreme Court's official website, a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh will continue hearing the PIL on 24th March.
The court had previously taken up the matter on 16th December 2024, seeking a response from the Union government on the issues raised.
During the initial hearing, the bench acknowledged the need to analyse the existing legal framework and assess where it falls short in delivering justice.
The court remarked that while the severity of punishment may not be lacking, the effectiveness of its implementation and the timeliness of justice need closer scrutiny.
Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, representing the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, emphasised that despite stringent laws enacted by Parliament, the lack of effective implementation due to "unwillingness, corruption, and laxity" among police and administrative bodies has led to a persistent environment of insecurity for women.
She argued that the absence of a deterrent effect has emboldened perpetrators, making women vulnerable to acts of violence.
The PIL urges the Supreme Court to establish strict, time-bound guidelines to curb incidents of sexual violence against women. It further suggests invoking the doctrine of 'parens patriae' to safeguard the rights and dignity of women, children, and the third gender.
The plea highlights the need for a safe workplace, secure sanitation facilities, and protection of personal dignity and bodily integrity for all vulnerable groups.
The petition draws attention to the distressing rise in crimes against women reported across various states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, among others.
It cites a particularly harrowing incident of gang rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor in Kolkata on 9th August 2024, a tragedy that shook the nation's conscience.
The plea argues that despite the widespread outrage following the Nirbhaya case in 2012, the ground realities regarding women's safety remain grim.
The PIL also urges the government to avoid politicising sensitive issues and instead focus on increasing budgetary allocations for the security and welfare of women, children, and the third gender.
It criticises the tendency to respond to such incidents only when they become sensationalised through media trials, stressing the need for consistent efforts rather than reactive measures.
Additionally, the petition seeks directives for schools to introduce gender sensitivity classes, sex education, and workshops conducted by qualified psychologists and counsellors.
It advocates for teaching children about biological changes during adolescence, gender equity, and issues like sexual harassment and juvenile delinquency to create awareness and instil respect.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court, under the leadership of Justice Surya Kant, directed the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association to consult women lawyers practising in various parts of the country to gather suggestions on addressing regional challenges faced by women.
The court has requested these recommendations to be compiled and presented for consideration during the upcoming hearing.
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