Crimes Against Women in India

Source-This post on Crimes Against Women in India has been created based on the article “Kolkata rape and murder: When the law fails women” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.

Context-The recent rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata has once again brought attention to the issue of women’s safety in India. Despite strengthened rape laws since the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape case, the problem persists.

What are the atrocities faced by the women in India?

1) Dowry Deaths- In 2022, India reported 6,516 dowry deaths, or one every 90 minutes. The problem is worsened by low conviction rates, as accused individuals often pay “blood money” to victims’ families. This practice, sometimes accepted by the police and courts, weakens the justice system and lets offenders escape serious punishment.

2) Domestic Violence -It is inadequately tackled across different social and economic backgrounds. The maximum three-year prison term limits effective punishment. As a result, offenders are often released on bail due to lenient rules for minor crimes, leaving victims feeling ignored and unsupported.

3) Stalking and Harassment– They are poorly addressed due to weak legal responses. Lenient bail rules allow offenders to keep engaging in abusive behavior. For example, in the Kolkata case, the accused, who had a history of violence, faced minimal legal consequences.

Read more- Women Safety in India- Challenges and Way Forward

What should be the way forward?

1) Comprehensive Legal Response – To enhance women’s safety, the law should cover all types of abuse and impose penalties based on the severity of the crime. Serious offenses like forcible disrobing or persistent stalking should have harsher penalties than minor harassment.

2) Reform of Bail and Judicial Procedures– The bail system, along with other judicial processes, needs reform. In 2022, 64% of dowry death cases were settled without a trial, and only 35% of those that went to trial resulted in convictions. This shows that perpetrators do not fear legal consequences.

3) Need for Fast-Track Justice – The criminal justice system must handle cases involving crimes against women more quickly. Sentences should be proportional to the severity of the crime. Additionally, courts need to take a firm stance against out-of-court settlements, which are promoted by the slow legal process and societal norms.

Question for practice

What are the atrocities faced by the women in India? What should be the way forward?