Lucknow: President Droupadi Murmu has strongly condemned the rape and murder of a Kolkata trainee doctor. In most unequivocal terms, she has expressed ‘disappointment’ and ‘horror’. Her strictly worded – ‘Enough is enough!’ has found resonance among people. According to the President, social reform is urgently needed to prevent such heinous crimes against women. This is the President’s first public comment on this matter.
Speaking to a news agency, she has appealed for ‘speedy justice’. She has called for change in the social attitude towards women and ensuring their safety and respect in all spheres of life.
Notably on August 9, a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. The crime sparked outrage across the state and the country, demanding swift action and death penalty for the accused.
The President criticized the fact that even 12 years after the Nirbhaya case, countless rape cases have been registered in the country and we repeatedly forget these incidents.
The President said that a ‘hateful mindset’ often sees women as inferior. Less powerful, less capable and less intelligent. She called on society to do an honest and unbiased introspection and ask itself tough questions about its behaviour toward women.
The President of India’s comment on the RG Kar case is significant for several reasons:
- Constitutional Authority: As the head of state, the President’s views carry considerable weight in India’s political and legal landscape. Any comment made by the President can influence public opinion and the actions of government bodies.
- Human Rights and Justice: The RG Kar case, which likely involves issues of justice, human rights, or a sensitive socio-political matter, gains prominence when the President comments on it. The President’s remarks could underscore the importance of upholding justice, the rule of law, or addressing any perceived injustice in the case.
- Government Accountability: The President’s comment could be seen as a call for government accountability, urging relevant authorities to ensure that the case is handled fairly and transparently. This can put pressure on the judicial and executive branches to act with greater diligence.
- Public Reassurance: In a high-profile or contentious case like RG Kar, the President’s comments might aim to reassure the public that their concerns are being taken seriously at the highest levels of government, helping to maintain public trust in the institutions involved.
- Media and Political Attention: Any statement by the President tends to attract significant media coverage, bringing more attention to the case. This can also prompt political leaders and parties to take a stance on the issue, potentially influencing the course of the case.
The importance of the President’s comment will also depend on the specific context and content of the statement, which could directly impact the case’s progression or public perception.
The growing incidence of crimes against women in India is a pressing concern that has garnered significant attention over the past decade. Despite numerous efforts to address the issue, including legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and increased police presence, the statistics paint a grim picture.
India’s 2024 crime report shows a slight overall decline (0.56%) compared to 2023. However, there are concerns. Rape cases rose 1.1%.
The data also revealed a rise in cases of domestic violence, reflecting the changing nature of criminal activities in the country.
There is ongoing concern regarding crimes against women and children, encompassing offences like sexual assault and child abuse.
In 2021, the NCRB reported a total of 4,28,278 cases of crimes against women, a rise of 15.3% compared to 2020. This equates to an average of 88.6 crimes per hour, or nearly 1.5 crimes per minute, against women across the country.
The Crime Rate, which is calculated per 100,000 women, has also seen an uptick. In 2021, the rate stood at 64.5, up from 56.5 in 2020. This statistic highlights not just the sheer volume of crimes but also the increased vulnerability of women in India.
Crimes against women in India take many forms, ranging from domestic violence and dowry deaths to rape, sexual harassment, and human trafficking.
Perhaps the most reported and discussed crime against women in India, rape cases have seen a disturbing rise.
Cases of sexual harassment, both in the workplace and in public spaces, have also seen a significant rise. In 2021, 9,285 cases of sexual harassment were reported, marking a 14.3% increase from 2020.
The incidence of crimes against women is not uniform across India, with significant regional disparities evident in the data. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra consistently report high numbers of crimes against women.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to the rising incidence of crimes against women in India:
Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and gender biases continue to perpetuate violence against women. In many parts of India, women are still viewed as subservient to men.
Legal and Judicial Gaps: While India has enacted several laws to protect women, such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013), enforcement remains weak.
Social Stigma: Victims of crimes like rape and domestic violence often face social stigma, which deters them from reporting these crimes. Fear of ostracization and retribution further silences many women.
Economic Dependence: Economic dependence on men makes it difficult for many women to escape abusive situations.
