Need to create fear in minds of goons committing crimes against women: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a stark warning to criminal elements operating in the National Capital Region, urging that “fear must be instilled in the minds of goons who commit crimes against women.” The observation came as a two‑judge bench, comprising Justices J.B. Vinod Chandran, heard a suo motu petition that seeks to address a spate of recent rape incidents in Delhi and its surrounding districts. The bench, while examining the petition, underscored the constitutional guarantee of safety for women and highlighted the state’s duty to enforce that guarantee without hesitation.The petition, filed by a senior advocate on behalf of several victims and their families, draws attention to a series of reported rapes that have taken place between the hours of eight in the evening and midnight, a period the court described as “the most vulnerable for women moving about the city.” The advocates argued that the existing police response mechanisms were inadequate, pointing to delays in registration of FIRs, lapses in the collection of forensic evidence, and a perceived reluctance among law‑enforcement officers to act decisively against perpetrators..

In response, the bench asked the Delhi Police to submit a detailed status report on pending cases, the steps taken to accelerate investigations, and any systemic reforms introduced in the past six months.Justice Pardiwala, speaking for the bench, invoked the constitutional right to life and personal liberty under Article 21, noting that safety is an essential facet of that right. “Every woman, irrespective of her social or economic standing, must be able to step out of her home at eleven o’clock at night without fear,” he said. The remark was aimed not only at the immediate victims but also at the broader public, signalling a demand for a cultural shift that would deter would‑be offenders through the prospect of swift and severe punishment..

“If the fear of being caught and punished does not stay them, then the fear of a determined judiciary must,” he added.Justice Chandran reinforced the notion that deterrence cannot be left to chance. He cited several landmark judgments, including the 2017 Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan decision, which mandated the creation of safe working environments for women, and the 2019 Nirbhaya case, where the Supreme Court had previously ordered the setting up of fast‑track courts for sexual assault cases..

“The judiciary has, time and again, reminded the executive that it must not be complacent when women’s lives are at stake,” he observed. The bench’s remarks came at a time when the Delhi Police has faced criticism over the handling of high‑profile rape cases, with activists demanding a more transparent and victim‑centric approach.In a separate order, the Supreme Court directed the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to furnish data on the incidence of crimes against women in the Delhi‑NCR region for the past five years, broken down by time of day, location, and nature of the offence. The bench also asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider the creation of a dedicated “Women’s Safety Cell” within the Delhi Police, with the mandate to coordinate between different units, monitor case progress, and ensure that victims receive timely medical and legal assistance..

The Cell would be required to submit quarterly performance reports directly to the court.The court’s intervention arrives against a backdrop of rising public anxiety. Over the past year, Delhi has recorded a 12 percent increase in reported cases of sexual assault, according to preliminary NCRB figures released in August. While some analysts caution that higher reporting may reflect greater willingness of victims to come forward, law‑makers and civil society groups argue that the numbers still signal a systemic failure to protect women in public spaces, particularly after dark..

In response, the Delhi Government announced last month that it would increase the number of CCTV cameras in metro stations and major intersections, a measure welcomed but deemed insufficient by many experts.Legal scholars note that the Supreme Court’s admonition could have practical implications for ongoing investigations. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, police officers are required to file an FIR within 24 hours of receiving a complaint. Failure to do so can attract disciplinary action, yet enforcement has been sporadic..

“A direct order from the apex court, especially one couched in such unequivocal language, is likely to prompt police departments to tighten compliance,” said Dr. Meera Singh, a professor of criminal law at Delhi University. “It also sets a precedent for future suo motu interventions whenever there is a perceptible pattern of gender‑based violence.”Human‑rights organisations have welcomed the court’s stance but urge that rhetoric be matched by concrete outcomes..

“The Supreme Court’s warning is a step in the right direction, but the real test lies in how quickly the police can bring perpetrators to justice and how effectively the system can protect potential victims before crimes occur,” said Anjali Sharma, a senior campaigner with the NGO Women’s Safety Initiative. She called for the establishment of fast‑track courts specifically for sexual offences, greater allocation of resources for forensic laboratories, and mandatory sensitivity training for all police personnel.The Delhi Police, for its part, issued a statement indicating that it would comply fully with the court’s orders. “We are already implementing a series of reforms, including the deployment of additional patrol units in high‑risk zones after 8 p.m., the introduction of a dedicated women’s helpline, and the use of geo‑fencing technology to monitor suspicious activity near educational institutions,” the statement read..

The department also highlighted its recent collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission to audit police response times and case handling procedures.As the bench concluded its hearing, it reminded the authorities that the Constitution does not merely guarantee abstract rights, but demands that the state take proactive steps to transform those rights into lived realities. “The onus now lies on the executive to translate judicial directives into tangible safety for women,” Justice Pardiwala said. “If the fear of retribution does not deter the goons, let the fear of a vigilant and uncompromising judiciary be the deterrent they cannot ignore.” The court adjourned the matter, scheduling a follow‑up hearing in six weeks to assess compliance and review any further measures required to ensure that women in Delhi‑NCR can move about freely, even at night..