The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the pleas to review the capital sentences of three assailants in a notorious gang rape and murder of a young college student that shook India in 2012, bringing them one step closer to eventual execution. Many will see this as a natural justice. The Nirbhaya incident shocked nation and forced government to bring in more stringent laws in order to protect the women. There was hope that sacrifice of Nirbhaya will not go in vain and country will become safer for women due to implementation of stricter laws.
In the years since, women’s advocates say that the Nirbhaya case raised awareness, prompting more women to come forward if they’re abused or assaulted, with authorities responding to the concerns with more closed-circuit security cameras and fast track courts for crimes against women. However question mark hinges over effectiveness of these courts. Also according to government crime data, the number of reported rapes continues to rise – from about 25,000 in 2012 to 38,000 in 2016. Earlier this year because of the continues rise in number of rape case, the union cabinet approved an emergency ordinance allowing the death penalty for the gang rape of children under the age of 12. However, one wonders whether it will have desired impact in years to come. Formulation of stringent law alone will not curb such heinous crime. The Indian society also needs to change its mentality towards the women.