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As per the petition, the slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ needs to be changed to ‘Beta Padhao, Beti Badhao’ which clearly sends the message that if men are literate and sensitive to women then women will be empowered to reach their respective a goals and can live in a safe environment
The Supreme Court today has issued notice in a PIL filed by Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association seeking necessary guidelines for pan India implementation of ‘Safety and Security Measures and Guidelines/Rules for Women’ for the protection of women all across the country.
Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan have issued notice in the petition which seeks as punishment chemical castration for all convicts of sexual offences against women and children, and ‘permanent castration' for convicts sentenced ‘to imprisonment for life and death penalty'.
A direction to the concerned local authorities for the installation of functional and well-maintained CCTV’ Camera Systems in every workplace/all institutions across the country and in all public places has been sought.
"There shall be ‘emergency toll-free helpline number 24/7 which is connected to all police stations, ambulance and hospitals preferably a three- digit number, and implement all possible measures to ensure the safety of all women, which includes increased street lighting available 24/7, enhanced surveillance at all times, and deployment of adequate police personnel at all check-points particularly during late-night hours...", the plea further seeks.
Ready access to all the women to the National Sex Offenders Registry, also known as ‘National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO) which is maintained by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in order to enable them for safeguarding themselves against repeated sexual offenders and convicted sexual predators has also been sought.
Citing the recent Kolkata gangrape of young lady trainee doctor, the petition claims the incident has highlighted 'the deep-rooted ineptness, red-tapism, bureaucratic cowardice by the law enforcement agencies, political hooliganism, and the brutal, nefarious and grisly state of affairs concerning the safety of women in India'.
It is submitted that instead of politicizing sensitive issues, the government as well as each politician must pay more attention to the safety of vulnerable citizens and should increase the funds allocated for the purpose of security of women, children and third gender community alike.
The top court has been beseeched to invoke the doctrine of parens patriae to safeguard the fundamental rights of women, children and the third gender in our nation, which encompass their right to safety, a secure workplace, adequate sanitation, personal dignity, bodily integrity, and a safe environment.
Senior Advocate Mahalakshmi Pavai appeared for the petitioners. The petition has been drafted by Advocates Sumedha Sen and Shaurya Mishra and filed by AOR Filza Moonis.
Case Title: SUPREME COURT WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION vs. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
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