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The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the state of women's safety in India, particularly in rural areas, following a horrifying incident in Odisha where a 15-year-old girl was burnt. The court's strong words, including “shame” and “unfortunate,” highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect and empower women across the country. This incident, coupled with similar cases in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, has prompted the Supreme Court to seek immediate and long-term solutions to ensure the safety and security of women, especially those in vulnerable situations. The court has emphasized the importance of empowering women at the grassroots level, particularly in taluka areas, by raising awareness about their rights and providing them with access to resources and support systems. The focus is not merely on addressing the immediate aftermath of such incidents but on preventing them from occurring in the first place. The court's intervention underscores the failure of existing mechanisms to adequately protect women and signals a commitment to holding the government accountable for ensuring their safety and well-being. The court's call for suggestions from all parties, including the central government, reflects a collaborative approach to addressing this complex issue. The aim is to develop a comprehensive strategy that involves various stakeholders and takes into account the specific needs and challenges faced by women in different regions of the country.
The Supreme Court's concern extends beyond the specific incident in Odisha and encompasses the broader issue of violence against women in India. The court is seeking to address the systemic failures that contribute to this problem, including inadequate law enforcement, lack of awareness about women's rights, and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. The court's emphasis on empowering women at the taluka level is particularly significant, as it recognizes that women in rural areas often face greater barriers to accessing justice and support services. The court's suggestion to train and appoint para-legal volunteers, particularly women, at the taluka level is a practical step towards bridging this gap. These volunteers can play a crucial role in raising awareness about women's rights, providing legal assistance, and connecting women with relevant resources. The court's suggestion to involve Anganwadi workers in this effort is also noteworthy, as these workers have established relationships with women in their communities and can serve as trusted sources of information and support. The Supreme Court's decision to examine a plea seeking pan-India guidelines for a safe environment for women, children, and transpersons further demonstrates its commitment to addressing the issue of gender-based violence in a comprehensive manner. The plea highlights the prevalence of sexual crimes against women, girls, and infants across the country and calls for urgent action to protect their fundamental rights.
The Additional Solicitor General's submission regarding the Centre's efforts to address women's safety, including the installation of CCTV cameras and face scan systems in public places, and the establishment of one-stop centers in every district, reflects the government's awareness of the problem. However, the Supreme Court's observation that one-stop centers need to reach the taluka level highlights the need for a more decentralized and accessible approach. While one-stop centers at the district level can provide valuable support to women in distress, many women in rural areas may not be able to access these services due to distance, lack of transportation, or other barriers. The court's emphasis on reaching the taluka level is therefore crucial to ensuring that all women, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to the support and resources they need. The court's invocation of the doctrine of parens patriae underscores its role as the guardian of the rights and welfare of citizens, particularly those who are vulnerable or unable to protect themselves. This doctrine empowers the court to take necessary steps to safeguard the fundamental rights of women, children, and the third gender, including their right to safety, a secured workplace, adequate sanitation, personal dignity, bodily integrity, and a safe environment. The Supreme Court's intervention in this matter is a reminder of the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring that the government fulfills its constitutional obligation to protect the rights and safety of all citizens, especially women and other vulnerable groups. The court's focus on empowering women at the grassroots level and addressing the systemic failures that contribute to violence against women is essential to creating a safer and more equitable society for all.
The recent incident in Kolkata, where a young lady trainee doctor was gangraped, serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of violence against women in India. This incident, along with countless others, highlights the deep-rooted issues of ineptness, red-tapism, bureaucratic cowardice by law enforcement agencies, political hooliganism, and the brutal, nefarious, and grisly state of affairs concerning the safety of women in India. These incidents are not isolated cases but rather symptoms of a larger societal problem that requires a multifaceted approach to address. The Supreme Court's intervention is a crucial step in holding the government accountable and ensuring that concrete measures are taken to protect women and prevent future acts of violence. The court's call for suggestions from all parties reflects a recognition that this is a complex issue that requires collaboration and input from various stakeholders. The aim is to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of violence against women and provides effective mechanisms for prevention, protection, and redressal.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's strong response to the Odisha minor burning incident and its broader concern about the state of women's safety in India demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the protection and empowerment of women across the country. The court's focus on empowering women at the grassroots level, addressing systemic failures, and collaborating with various stakeholders is essential to creating a safer and more equitable society for all. The Supreme Court's role as the guardian of the rights and welfare of citizens is crucial in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the constitutional obligation to protect the rights and safety of all, especially women and other vulnerable groups, is fulfilled. The urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect and empower women across the country is emphasized by the court's strong words and proactive approach. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the failure of existing mechanisms to adequately protect women and signals a commitment to holding the government accountable for ensuring their safety and well-being. The court's call for suggestions from all parties, including the central government, reflects a collaborative approach to addressing this complex issue and the aim is to develop a comprehensive strategy that involves various stakeholders and takes into account the specific needs and challenges faced by women in different regions of the country.
Source: ‘We are in shame’: SC raps govt over ‘unfortunate’ state of women’s safety after Odisha minor burnt