Mumbai, Feb 27: In the wake of public outrage over the Pune bus rape case, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Thursday underscored that merely enacting laws is insufficient to prevent crimes against women; their proper implementation is crucial.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a program in Mumbai, Chandrachud responded to queries regarding the shocking incident in Pune’s Swargate area, where a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus. The accused, history-sheeter Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), is currently on the run, with police deploying 13 teams to track him down.
Recalling the 2012 Nirbhaya case, Chandrachud pointed out that several legal amendments were introduced following the brutal gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student in Delhi. However, he stressed that legal reforms alone are not enough.
"We cannot prevent such incidents merely by having laws. The responsibility also lies in society and the proper enforcement of these laws. Many women step out for work and other activities daily, and it is imperative that they feel safe," he stated.
Chandrachud further highlighted the need for thorough investigations, swift action, expedited trials, and stringent punishment to ensure justice. He emphasized that the legal system and law enforcement agencies must be responsible for creating a safer environment for women.
"At every level, we must carefully address these concerns to ensure women can work and live safely. That is the essence of an equitable society," he asserted.
The Pune bus rape case has sparked widespread outrage, drawing fresh attention to the urgency of addressing crimes against women through more vigorous law enforcement and societal accountability.
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