Amid the escalating outrage over the horrifying rape and murder of a woman doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for the urgent need to expedite judicial verdicts in cases of crimes against women. Addressing a gathering in New Delhi to mark the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the increasing instances of atrocities against women and underscored the critical importance of child safety as a societal issue. He acknowledged the existence of stringent laws designed to protect women but emphasized the need to make these laws more proactive and effective in delivering justice swiftly.
The Prime Minister's remarks were delivered against the backdrop of widespread national indignation over the recent Kolkata incident, which has sparked renewed demands for immediate and decisive action to safeguard women across the country. PM Modi reiterated that the safety of women is paramount and that the judicial system must respond with greater speed and efficiency in cases involving sexual violence and other heinous crimes. He noted that while the legislative framework is robust, the implementation and activation of these laws are where improvements are urgently needed.
PM Modi pointed out that in 2019, the Indian government introduced the fast-track courts law, a significant measure aimed at accelerating the judicial process in cases of crimes against women. This law led to the creation of witness deposition centers and district monitoring committees, both crucial components in ensuring that justice is not delayed. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that these systems must be further reinforced to ensure that cases are resolved quickly and justly, providing a sense of security and confidence to women and their families.
The Prime Minister's comments were also in response to a recent letter from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had urged him to enact stricter central legislation and ensure exemplary punishment for those convicted of heinous crimes such as rape and murder. Banerjee's appeal highlighted the ongoing frustration over the perceived inadequacies in the current system, which she argued needed more robust enforcement. She noted that despite her previous appeals, there had been no substantive response from the central government on this critical issue.
In response, the central government, through Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, reiterated that the existing legal framework is sufficiently strong to address such crimes, provided it is implemented effectively. The minister stressed that if state governments fully comply with central legislation, it would significantly bolster the criminal justice system, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and justice is delivered promptly to victims and survivors.
During his speech at the Supreme Court event, PM Modi also touched on the broader efforts made over the past decade to address delays in the judicial process and to enhance the infrastructure of the legal system. He emphasized that while significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations such as women and children. The Prime Minister called for continued and intensified efforts to make the justice system more responsive and efficient, ensuring that it can meet the demands of the modern age and the expectations of the people it serves.
As the nation grapples with the shocking incident in Kolkata, the Prime Minister’s call for faster verdicts and more effective laws is likely to resonate widely, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the way the country addresses crimes against women. The focus now shifts to how these statements will translate into action and whether they will lead to tangible changes that can restore faith in the judicial system and ensure the safety and dignity of women across India.
