World did not end on 21 /12/2012 as prophesied in the Mayan Eschatological myth ( maybe it would on 21-12-2112). But barely one week after this ominous day, the world of millions in India came to a sad end with the demise of a brave 23 year old girl ( officially unnamed so far ). Her low-key, unsung and surreptitious cremation distressing as it was, has also demonstrated the cowardice of the rulers. The palpitation of their heart was clearly heard by the people across the country. Peaceful , candle-lights protest drove the political class into stupor for 13 days. Awakening of the lambs seemed to have alarmed the wolves, So much so that the leading lights of all major political parties were conspicuous by their silence in the wake of this tragedy. They were also, tactfully, absent from the scene. Those who ventured were soundly rebuffed by the irate crowd and had to beat a hasty retreat. Smart ones like Kejriwal ,sensing the fiery mood at the gathering, left their political caps behind to join the marchers. The worst-hit were incorrigible publicity hounds known for their inane quotes for every occasion and on any subject under the sun.They had vanished into thin air.
This veritable triumph of the unarmed non-political class over the highly protected political elite should be disturbing to the latter. The sudden eruption over the Nirbhaya issue, led mostly by the youth, was somewhat a culmination of the pent-up anger of the apolitical class against the well-entrenched politicians over their apathetic inaction to find solutions to their day-to day problems flagged by the civil movements led by Anna Hazare and other activists since 2011. In coming months such agitations will be frequent.Come election time this year or next , those presently reclining in their ivory towers will have to face the people at the gate. So please wake up, read the writings on the wall and go for mid course correction.
Nirbhaya is dead. But to enable her soul rest in peace,we have to take effective steps to empower the system responsible to bring her tormentors to justice and put in place a dispensation which will ensure that acts of failure on the part of guardians of law does not get unpunished. Some of these steps could be :
Law and Police :
- Setting up of Special fast track courts in major cities/towns of the country.
- Amendment of the Indian Evidence Act and other relevant laws which are hindrance to a speedy trial process
- Keeping in view increasing number of heinous crimes like rape and murder being committed by the juveniles,it would be necessary to lower the age bar from the existing 18 to 16 years.
- Setting up of modern forensic labs and optimal use of latest technology viz: GPS,CCTV, online database of petty criminals, verification of all drivers and supporting staff of public transport. Active patrolling by well-armed beat constables and PCR vans.
- Protection to members of public who come forward to help police/victims. Their identity should be withheld and no inconvenience caused to them.It will increase the number of good samaritans in our society.
- Cases to be supervised by DCP/JtCP - level officer
- Sex-related offences to be treated as non-bailable offence and police given custody of such offenders. No adjournment after the commencement of day to day trials.
- 90 days time-limit from filing of FIR to execution of punishment.
Quantum
of punishment :
ü
5
years imprisonment for molestation. Denial of passport, driving licence and
similar facilities including jobs by State/Central Govts.
ü
15
years imprisonment for rape for an offender below 16 years and 25 years for
others.
ü
Life
imprisonment, without parole, for rape and death of the victim.
ü
Death
penalty for rape,death and acts of depravity or barbarity ( as in Nirbhaya's
case)
Political:
·
No
ticket to sex-offenders for fighting elections right from the
Panchayat/Ward level to the Parliament.
·
Sex-offenders already occupying political post be expelled.
With the gradual erosion of human values in our society, break-up of the joint family, large scale migration of rural youth to towns/big cities for jobs, culture of " Greed and Speed ", it is difficult to eradicate crime. But with the concerted efforts of active judiciary, people-friendly police, sensitive politicians,vigilant media and alert common man, the crime graph can be brought down drastically in a year or two. All the stakeholders must come on board and share the grim responsibilities.
It was time Govt revealed Nirbhaya's real name and instituted a national award for bravery to honour her memory.This will inspire many to become Nirbhaya (Fearless) in future. It should not be difficult considering the fact that in this country we already have 51 awards named after 3 members of a single political family. One more award will not harm anybody.
