Open house: What measures are needed to ensure safety of women and children?

Reform governance, justice systems

The provision of the death penalty alone cannot eradicate the persisting menace of sexual crimes such as rape against women. Existing law already prescribes capital punishment for murder, yet has society been able to prevent such incidents? Clearly not, as these crimes continue unabated. This indicates something seriously wrong with our societal values and our justice delivery system—both of which demand thorough transformation. However, the existing mechanism of electing public representatives to form governments at both the Centre and the state levels is equally responsible for this catastrophic situation. In a country where more than 40% of elected representatives face criminal charges, expecting justice from the police and courts becomes largely superfluous. Their lust for power, money and authority at any cost is one of the most heinous crimes against society and its poor and gullible inhabitants. Such a system breeds potential criminals, and crimes against women become more frequent in a sick society functioning under crumbling standards of governance.

Jagdish Chander

Prioritise citizen safety measures

“Let the law take its own course.” The court will soon announce its judgment in the case of the alleged rapist of a 14-year-old girl in Jalandhar. Political leaders and social organisations have demanded strict action against the accused, with many calling for capital punishment. The verdict may serve as an eye-opener for all, but the safety and security of every citizen must remain the administration’s top priority. Both the administration and society must boost training in self-defence for girls and women, as such preparation can prove successful when confronted by anti-social elements. These efforts, along with the court’s verdict, should serve as reminders of what is required to protect vulnerable citizens and strengthen preventive mechanisms.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Strengthen POCSO act

Yet another horrifying incident—a gang rape of a mother and daughter at gunpoint in Lohia, with one of the accused being a minor—reminds us of how vulnerable females remain in our society. Earlier this month, the painful death of a minor at Gandhi Vanita Ashram and the brutal rape and murder of a young girl in Jalandhar by her neighbour again exposed the stark truth: women and children are not safe even within spaces presumed secure. Daily reports of chain-snatching, eve-teasing, harassment, sexual assault and indecent behaviour toward women—whether minors or elderly—continue with alarming regularity. These tragic crimes have deeply shaken the collective conscience of society and compel us to reflect on where our moral and social fabric is heading. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Chief Minister of Punjab has demanded the strictest punishment for offenders, including the death penalty, to deter such atrocities. While severe penalties may act as deterrents, they alone are not enough. Repeated incidents point to significant shortcomings in law enforcement and community vigilance. The POCSO Act, 2012, was a landmark initiative, but its enforcement must be further strengthened. Equally critical is ensuring strict administrative accountability for officials who fail to act promptly in cases involving minors and sexual abuse. Investigative processes and judicial procedures must be more responsive, transparent and time-bound. Juvenile Justice Boards and courts must conclude such cases swiftly so victims and families do not suffer endless delays. Yet laws alone cannot repair the damage. Society must also awaken—schools, institutions, neighbourhoods and families must inculcate respect, empathy and zero tolerance for abuse. Only stronger laws, stricter enforcement, vigilant communities and a morally conscious society can ensure safety, justice and dignity for every woman and child.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Speed up special court trials

The debate on the death penalty for rapists has persisted for decades—beginning long before 1979 after the Mathura case, and gaining renewed urgency after the Nirbhaya case in 2012-13. Social media and global awareness have strengthened public outrage, with more people now believing that anything less than the death sentence for the actual culprit is unjust. Even the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Bhagwant Mann, has supported strong action, reflecting the heightened societal concern. While severe punishment is important, identifying the correct culprit is equally crucial. A thorough and honest investigation must precede any verdict to ensure that the real offender is convicted. Crimes of such brutality have no place in society, and those responsible must face strict consequences. Capital punishment may help instil fear and reduce serious sexual crimes; it certainly guarantees that a convicted rapist cannot reoffend. Yet, in many cases, charges cannot be framed due to insufficient evidence, and numerous organisations intervene, often complicating proceedings. Beyond capital punishment, much remains to be done. Parents must observe their children’s behaviour and educate them, as prevention through awareness often works better than harsher punishment. By the time society begins debating remedies, the damage is often already irreversible. Fast-track courts and special courts dedicated to such cases are essential to speed up trials. When injustice occurs, the victim’s entire life becomes traumatic. Though many NGOs and women counsellors attempt to help, families frequently face harassment due to media trials that expose identity, privacy and dignity, often creating false narratives. It is also commonly observed that police sometimes reach crime scenes without a woman officer. For many, nothing less than the death penalty for rapists is acceptable. Candle marches and banners achieve little unless backed by swift justice. Verdicts must be delivered within a month or two to ease the suffering of victims and their families.

Shashi Kiran

Ensure fair investigation process

The advocacy for stricter punishments began long before 1979 after the Mathura case, but the Nirbhaya incident of 2012-13 triggered widespread demand for harsher penalties for heinous crimes such as rape and assault. Growing awareness through social media has led to greater understanding and outrage. Many people believe that anything less than the death sentence for the true culprit is unjust. Even Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed full support for justice, highlighting the level of community consciousness. However, before any verdict, a thorough and honest investigation is essential to ensure that the real offender is punished. Crimes as heinous as attacks on women have no place in society, and such elements must be eradicated with strict consequences. Severe punishment is important, but only when the right person is identified through a fair process.

Lakshit Jindal

Men’s attitude needs to change

The strongest example we have of capital punishment in recent times is in the Nirbhaya case. But that too involved years of wait for justice for those who needed it most. Strong punishment can only be a deterrent if justice is prompt and timely. Years may pass until then and on the ground such incidents may continue, adding to the pressure on those who are victims. What is required instead is a massive overhaul. A change in perspectives from the cop sitting at a chowki to the man on the street. Men's attitudes need change which is only possible through sensitisation. This talk of change may sound cliché, but unless male attitudes undergo a sea change, the rape and violation of women, small girls (and even children at large) will continue. Societies and governments need to work together to undertake radical campaigns where from the minuscule level - eve teasing, cat calling, stalking, up to abuse cases - improper behaviour is immediately brought to book from the community level up to the policing level. If 10 men or women hold such criminals to account right at the onset, more dire crimes may be prevented. This change will not happen until communities, peers, immediate acquaintances, too, begin to hold abusers responsible.

Manjit Kaur

Large-scale policing at every point needed

Capital punishment may be a necessity in the rarest of the rare crime. But what about the hundreds of abuse incidents being reported daily in cities and villages. Abuse is also city (place) centric. Women in Mumbai can go out at any hour, even late in the night. But in Delhi they may not even feel safe in early hours. Hence the incidence of a crime is highly dependent on a society's ecosystem and the state of law and order in a given place. In an area where crimes against women are rare, perpetrators will be more scared of a backlash and hence less likely to get away with an incident like this. In the Jalandhar case, the man had a similar pattern for years, yet he failed to be acted against. He was allowed to get away with small incidents, without note, resulting in a big crime. It is also a lesson that antecedents of all employees (not just drivers) need to be verified before they are hired. If the initial checks and balances are in place, things may not come to such a passé. Also, large scale policing at every point, women centric apps, easy availability of women task force—which make victims comfortable are also essential services to embolden complaints by women.

Surveen Saini

Capital punishment is not enough

Capital punishment should exist especially for the most heinous crimes such as rape and sexual assault, but it should not remain merely a political promise or an idea discussed in theory. Its implementation must be firm, timely, and consistent. Only when consequences are real and unavoidable will offenders genuinely understand the seriousness of their actions. A justice system that follows through on its decisions sends a strong message that society will not tolerate such extreme violations of human rights and safety. However, the presence of capital punishment alone is not enough. It should never replace or overshadow the importance of strong preventive measures. The government and authorities must invest in systems that deter crimes long before they occur through effective policing. Strict laws, efficient investigations, fast-track courts, and transparent legal processes are essential to ensure justice is served without unnecessary delays. In essence, capital punishment can serve as a powerful deterrent, but only when paired with robust preventive strategies and a reliable, just legal framework.

Deepa Yadav

severest punishment for offenders

Such crimes should never occur in the first place. It is unimaginable how anyone can inflict this kind of harm on a girl or on any innocent person. A young girl who simply went to visit her friend should never have had to suffer what she suffered and then she was killed. Individuals who commit such acts are a stain on society. I believe that the severest punishment, including the death penalty, is necessary so offenders understand that such brutality will lead to the strongest possible consequences. Only then might others be deterred from even thinking of committing such crimes.

Aditya Sharma

Swift, strict legal action REQUIRED

What the 14-year-old girl endured is deeply heart-breaking, and it is painful even to imagine the trauma her family must be facing. Incidents like this shake the conscience of society. It is troubling that individuals feel emboldened enough to commit such horrific acts, often believing that the system will fail to hold them accountable. This sense of impunity must end. There must be swift, strict, and transparent legal action to ensure that those responsible face consequences proportionate to the gravity of their crime. At the same time, the legal framework for protecting women and children must be strengthened so that no one even considers committing such acts. Stronger laws, better enforcement, quicker trials, and a justice system that prioritizes victims’ safety and dignity are essential. Only when society consistently demonstrates zero tolerance for such brutality can meaningful change begin and true deterrence be established.

Ravneet Kaur