Supreme Court on Delhi-NCR Rape Cases: ‘Fear of Law Must Be Created in Minds of Criminals’

New Delhi: The Supreme Court, which is hearing suo motu cognizance of the incidents of rape that have come to light in Delhi-NCR in recent times, on Monday gave strict instructions to the Delhi Police. Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran's bench said that women should feel safe in public places and it is necessary to create effective fear of law in the minds of criminals. The court asked the police to increase surveillance and patrolling and pay special attention to crime-prone places. 

How will fear of law arise in the minds of criminals?

During the hearing, the Supreme Court said that it is not enough to take action only after the crime has been committed. The police will have to make such an effective system so that those thinking of committing serious crimes have the fear of strict action. Justice Pardiwala told the police that if there is a need to take a tough stance against criminals, then they should not step back from it. The court also clarified that strictness does not mean taking action outside the law but taking effective and firm action within the ambit of the law. 

Will security not be achieved just by installing CCTV cameras?

The Supreme Court also questioned Delhi Police regarding the surveillance system. The court said that merely installing CCTV cameras is not enough. There should be a system of constant monitoring and it should be known what is happening in sensitive areas. The bench asked the police whether it had any arrangement like 'war room' for constant surveillance. Along with this, it was asked to strengthen beat patrolling and ensure regular presence of police vehicles at such places that are considered unsafe.

Where will surveillance increase?

The court stressed increasing surveillance on roads, buses, metro and other public places for the safety of women. Earlier too, the court had said that public places like roads, parks, buses, metro stations, subways and footbridges cannot be allowed to become 'high risk zones' due to poor lighting, weak surveillance or lack of adequate patrolling. The court had also stressed fixing the responsibility of public safety on the officers and ensuring accountability.

Which incidents did the court take cognizance of?

The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of many recent serious incidents in Delhi-NCR. These include the case of alleged gang rape of a minor in a sleeper bus coming from Greater Noida to Delhi, alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Aastha Kunj Park in southeast Delhi and alleged gang rape and murder of a teenage girl in Swaroop Nagar. In the Aastha Kunj case, the accused are accused of committing crimes by posing as policemen. 

Why was the case linked to the Nirbhaya case?

Referring to the case of alleged gang rape of a minor in a sleeper bus, the Supreme Court had said that there were 'painful similarities' with the 2012 Nirbhaya case. The court raised the question whether even after so many years the law enforcement system has made sufficient progress in the protection of women and children. The bench described these incidents as a serious concern related to law and order and public safety. 

What should be the relationship between police and common people?

The Supreme Court also told the police that it is necessary to maintain public trust strictly. Common people should not be afraid of going to the police with their problems. Describing the police as a system responsible for the security of the society, the court laid emphasis on increasing communication with the people and understanding their problems. That is, along with strict action against criminals, the reach and trust of police for common citizens should also be strengthened.  

Why did the court insist on fixing accountability?

The Supreme Court had said in an earlier hearing that merely expressing concern or showing solidarity with the victims is not enough. The accountability of the officers who are responsible for preventing crime, maintaining public order and protecting weaker sections should be fixed. The court had also sought information about a comprehensive report and measures regarding security arrangements of public places in Delhi-NCR.