Chemical Castration Harsh But SC Sends Notice To Centre On Women Safety Plea.

In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a petition seeking directions to frame pan India guidelines so as to ensure a  safe environment for women, children as well as transgender persons in the society.

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan has issued notice to different Central Ministries and its instrumentalities through the office of the Attorney General and posted the matter for further hearing. 

Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pawani, who appeared for the petitioner which is  Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, mentioned that several incidents of sexual abuse against women are there which are either not being reported or are pushed under the carpet.

Mentioning the unreported rape cases after Kolkata doctor rape case, Pavani added  that like some Scandinavian countries, such offenders should get severe  punishments such as chemical castration.

The Bench in response, mentioned that though some prayers refereed to in the petition are “barbari” and “harsh”  and cannot be entertained, however there are are some issues which are innovative and could be considered. 

Mentioning one such advice, Justice Surya Kant observed that maintaining proper behaviour in a public transport is one such issue which is worth consideration and it is important to spread awareness about proper behaviour in buses, metros or trains, etc. It is important to publicise the general do's and don'ts in public utility vehicles. 

"The issue of proper social behaviour in public transport should not only be taught but needs to be implemented strictly as there were some inappropriate incidents reported from airlines also," the bench observed.

Going further, the advocate for petitioner further pointed out that though numerous guidelines have been issued in many cases from time to time, and that stringent laws and punishments have been decided, are such guidelines and provisions actually  being implemented properly.

Recognising the efforts of the petitioner, Justice Surya Kant said "We appreciate you seeking relief for the common woman, who faces struggle in day-to-day life,".

What was asked in the petition ?

• Through the petition, the association is demanding for guidelines, reforms and measures for the protection of women which could be applied all over the country.
• With a demand of invoking the doctrine of parens patriae, the petitioner has asked the court to take actions in order to safeguard the fundamental rights of women, children as well as third gender in the country, which shall include their right to safety, secured workplace for them, ensuring adequate sanitation to them, personal dignity, bodily integrity, overall a safe environment.
• In conclusion, the petitioner has sought directions to ensure stringent laws such as application of chemical castration as punishment to all sexual offences  convicts and a punishment of permanent castration for such convicts who have been sentenced to imprisonment for life and death penalty. 
• The petitioner has also demanded installation of CCTV in each institution and workplace across the country; as well as a ban on unrestricted pornographic contents; also measures to increase awareness about the online complaints system; fast track hearing of such cases; provisions to ensure  clean and hygienic toilets for all; appointment of efficient security guards; also appropriate measures to ensure a safe public transport; measures to increase awareness in the society against victim blaming.

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