JAMMU: Expressing discontent over alleged delay in the execution of capital punishment to the accused in the case of brutal rape of the 23-year-old paramedical student, who was raped in a moving bus, exactly seven years ago, social activist Tarun Uppal demanded justice for the victim by giving capital punishment to the accused.
Emphasizing upon the need for actions against the crime against women, Uppal said that the offences against women are not a women’s issue alone but, human rights issue. "Increased rate of crime against women is an area of concern for the law-makers and it points out an emergent need to study in depth the root of the problem and remedy the same through a strict law and order regime.
There are a number of legislations and numerous penal provisions to punish the offenders of violence against women. However, it becomes important to ensure that gender justice does not remain only on paper," he said in a statement issued here on Friday. The delay in justice is causing people to lose faith in the judiciary, he added.
"Nirbhaya is a symbol of justice if she is not given justice then how other victims will get justice," he said, adding "If hanging of accused in this case is not done then there will be cases of rape and murder in future too. With the hanging, people will get afraid and think about committing such a crime." He appealed to the authorities to award death sentence to the convicts in the Nirbhaya case.
Uppal demanded speedy trials in cases of crimes against women. Apart from this, he also sought that Judicial Accountability Bill should be passed in the Parliament, vacant posts of judges be filled and the Supreme Court's recommendations for improvement of the police force be implemented. He urged government to launch national level helpline for the welfare of women.