India's Supreme Court has taken rare suo motu cognizance of a disturbing surge in rape cases across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), citing "painful parallels" to the horrific 2012 Nirbhaya incident. The court expressed deep concern over public safety and systemic failures in law enforcement.
Court Highlights Systemic Failures and Fundamental Rights
A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran initiated proceedings following a series of recent assaults, including the rape of a 16-year-old girl on a moving bus from Greater Noida to Delhi. The Justices underscored that these incidents reveal a profound failure to ensure basic public safety, particularly for minors.
"One cannot help but draw painful parallels to the Nirbhaya incident of 2012," the bench stated. "These incidents starkly highlight a failure of law enforcement. Public spaces, including parks and buses, cannot be permitted to become zones of high risk due to lack of illumination, poor surveillance and other administrative facilities."
The court emphasized that the right to live with dignity and without fear is a fundamental right guaranteed to every individual. It also critically evaluated responses from public representatives, deeming expressions of concern insufficient and demanding "measurable responses" instead of mere solidarity.
Recent Cases Prompting Judicial Intervention
Over the past two weeks, at least four significant rape cases involving minors have been reported in Delhi, drawing widespread condemnation and concern:
- On September 10, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped and murdered in Swaroop Nagar, North-West Delhi, after going to meet a friend. Four suspects, including three minors, have been arrested.
- A six-year-old girl was reportedly raped on Deshbandhu Gupta Road on September 14, with the accused subsequently arrested.
- On September 17, an 11-year-old girl was allegedly raped inside a tailor’s shop in Sadar Bazaar; the accused has been apprehended.
- A 17-year-old girl was reportedly gang-raped by three men posing as police personnel in Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Temple on September 21. All three accused have since been arrested.
Additionally, the court noted the August 4 rape of a 16-year-old student by the driver and conductor on a bus traveling from Greater Noida to Delhi, leading to their arrest and the bus's seizure for forensic examination.
Lieutenant Governor Orders Safety Audit
In response to the Kalkaji case, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ordered an immediate safety audit of all city parks. This audit, mandated for completion within a week, focuses on improving lighting, enhancing security measures, increasing police patrolling, and ensuring cleanliness. Furthermore, the deployment of "Pink Police" personnel around parks was also directed to bolster safety for women and children.
The Supreme Court's strong stance underscores the urgent need for robust measures to protect citizens and restore faith in public safety mechanisms across the capital.