Delhi-NCR rape cases: SC invokes Nirbhaya, flags 'systematic' failure
Apex court takes suo motu cognisance of alleged gang-rapes in national capital, says public spaces cannot be permitted to become zones of high risk due to lack of illumination, and poor surveillance
The Supreme Court on Monday (September 28) took suo motu cognisance of some of the recent cases of gang-rapes in the Delhi-NCR region, including the gang-rape of a minor in a moving bus and the alleged sexual assault in a park, observing that such cases underline a systematic failure on the part of law enforcement authorities.
SC draws parallels with Nirbhaya case
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran said one cannot help but draw painful parallels to the Nirbhaya incident of 2012, while taking note of the alleged rape of a minor in a sleeper bus in August.
Also read: Delhi minor allegedly gang-raped by 3 men posing as cops; one held after gunfire
"The reports of rape cases in Delhi-NCR starkly underline a systematic failure on the part of the law enforcement and the public administrative authorities to guarantee basic public safety," the bench said.
‘Public spaces shouldn’t become high-risk zones’
The top court said public spaces, including parks and buses, cannot be permitted to become zones of high risk due to lack of illumination, poor surveillance and other administrative facilities.
“Expressions of solidarity devoid of accountability fall short of answering the larger institutional question. Expressing solidarity is not a solution to this social evil. What is required is a measurable response with the responsibility and accountability fixed upon authorities entrusted with the prevention of crimes, maintenance of public order and protection of vulnerable persons,” the bench said.
Recent crimes
A 16-year-old girl, who boarded a sleeper bus in Greater Noida, was allegedly gang-raped by its conductor and driver and abandoned near Kashmere Gate, more than 40 km away in Old Delhi, on August 4. The two accused have been arrested.
Also read: Delhi bus gang-rape: Police probe teen’s nearly three-hour ordeal inside sleeper bus
The crime brought back painful memories of the 2012 gang-rape and murder in Delhi known as the Nirbhaya case.
A few days later, on September 21, a 16-year-old was allegedly raped by three men posing as policemen in a park in Southeast Delhi at knifepoint.