Citing instances like the 2012 Nirbhaya case and recent RG Kar Rape and murder case, the plea has sought rigorous guidelines and implementation of rules to ensure safety of women. The top court has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to respond to the plea.
Among new rules that the petition seeks are chemical castration of those convicted of sexual crimes against women, complete ban on unrestricted and free online porn, and refusal of bail until trial to those charged with horrendous crimes against women.
The plea also demands that CCTV cameras, security personnel, and 24×7 helpline at all workplaces be deployed.
The petitioners have also demanded fast track justice for crimes against women and that a handbook be issued for acceptable and ethical behaviour in public transport, and cab services like Uber and Ola.
The Supreme Court was hearing the PIL filed by Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) seeking ‘pan India safety guidelines, reforms and measures for protection of women.’
Earlier on December 3, the apex court had issued an order directing employers and local authorities to strictly implement Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines at workplaces.
The court directed that Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) be set up in all government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), and mandated that SheBox portals be installed to help women lodge complaints, which will be directed to ICCs.
States were told to compulsorily appoint district officers (DOs) by the New Year. DOs must constitute a local complaints committee (LCC) by January 31, 2025. Similarly, the court directed nodal officers to be appointed at taluka levels. The apex court added that the details of nodal officers, LCCs, and Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) must be uploaded to the SheBox portal.
