New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi Police to take firm and visible steps to prevent sexual offences, saying potential offenders must be made to believe that they would face grave consequences for their actions.
The court was hearing suo motu proceedings concerning several rape cases reported in Delhi and adjoining areas, including the alleged gang rape of a minor on a sleeper bus. It said the police needed to adopt a more proactive approach instead of acting only after crimes had taken place.
The bench, headed by Justice JB Pardiwala, said sexual crimes would continue unless anti-social elements were convinced that committing such offences would result in certain and severe punishment.
“Unless and until you create that fear in the minds of unsocial elements that ab kuch kia toh mar jaenge, you will not be able to prevent such crimes,” the court said.
The bench asked the Delhi Police to begin by identifying places where women and girls may be vulnerable, as reported by NDTV. It specifically called for greater attention around colleges, where “hooligans” were allegedly harassing female students.
The court also raised concerns over the large number of unauthorised eateries operating in Delhi. It said such places had become gathering points for anti-social elements and that alcohol was being consumed there.
“We impress upon you, start concentrating on all aspects. It should not be that in the next four weeks more such incidents happen. Focus on colleges. There are hooligans who keep harassing girl students. We are told there are thousands of unauthorised eateries across Delhi and unsocial elements gather there. Even liquor is allowed in such places,” the Supreme Court said.
The bench made the observations while referring to an alleged gang rape in a south Delhi park located nearly two kilometres from a girls’ college. It questioned the police about the preventive measures taken after people had reportedly raised concerns about the accused.
“It has been said people warned you about these people (criminals) even in this unfortunate case,” Justice Pardiwala said.
The judge also asked the police to provide details of a proposed war room that could coordinate efforts to prevent sexual offences across the national capital.
“How do you prevent such crimes? We want to make sure such crimes are stopped. We can make a difference if we work together,” Justice Pardiwala said.
Among the measures discussed was the use of a national database of sexual offenders to monitor and track suspects. The court stressed that the police must examine every possible factor linked to the occurrence of such crimes.
Justice Pardiwala referred to the 2012 Nirbhaya case and observed that the convicts had consumed food and alcohol before carrying out the brutal attack.
The Supreme Court said the Delhi Police should act decisively and should not back down because of public opposition or protests. It said its responsibility was to take steps that would protect women and girls from sexual violence.
“We have to do this for the safety of young girls and women,” the court said.