The Hindu : Kerala News : Treat cases of crime against women seriously, says judge

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Treat cases of crime against women seriously, says judge

Special Correspondent

“Awareness of legislations poor among people”

— Photo: L. Balachandar

Be aware:V. Balasundarakumar, District Judge, speaking at a legal awareness and training programme in Ramanathapuram on Saturday.

RAMANATHAPURAM: V. Balasundarakumar, District Judge, has asked the judicial officers, police, and enforcement authorities to treat cases of crimes against women very serious so as to bring the perpetrators to book.

Inaugurating a legal awareness and training programme for stakeholders here on Saturday, he said inspite of enacting several laws aimed at safeguarding women, children and elders, the crime rate against them was increasing at a steady pace.

As per statistics, the dowry-related deaths, which was just 990 in 1975, had gone up to 4,836 in 1990 and further had risen up to 6,787 in 2005. Similarly, as many as 40,880 women committed suicide in 2005 in the country, of which 12775 women had opted self immolation as a mode of ending their lives. An average of 50 women were being raped daily. Domestic violence, eve-teasing, and other crimes had also been taking a toll on women.

Quoting a Supreme Court judgment in 1986, which stressed the need for capital punishment in dowry deaths, Mr. Balasundarakumar said mercy should not be shown to the perpetrators of crime against women. The judicial officers and the police should treat these cases purely on merit.

Similarly, he said priority must be given to cases related to sexual harassment against women in working places whether it was government or private offices. Consented sex with working women by employers could also be treated as rape cases. Earnest steps should be taken to compensate rape victims adequately.

He added that divorce cases had been piling up in the State as well as in the district during the last few years. A five-fold increase could be observed. It was a matter of concern.

The Judge said there were enough provisions to punish those who committed crimes against children, and aged persons. Those who abandoned elderly persons should also be brought to book. However, he said the awareness about the laws was poor among the people including women.

Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Giri said police officers should pay special attention to learn laws particularly those related to women. Sensitisation programmes for all stakeholders would make them understand the nuances of laws.

K. Balasubramaniam, District Revenue Officer took part.

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