Maa Durga is one of the most influential deities in Hindu mythology. She signifies the victory of good over evil, ensuring the spirit of righteousness. And this is what we, women, need to embody in today’s testing times to save our grace and dignity.
The honour and pride of being a woman comes when we fight for our rights everyday — be it at the workplace or at home.
Journalist Tarun Tejpal, filmmaker Karim Morani and many more such big names who took advantage of women have been brought to book. The Peepli Live director was acquitted but not before being shamed and sent to prison.
Women must bring out the powerful ‘Shakti’ within to fight injustice to them — be it rape, domestic violence, female infanticide or acid attacks. We are not here to sit back.
Laws are strong
Earlier, it was considered a rape case only if there was intercourse. But after the Nirbhaya incident, there’s a change in the law. Touching a woman’s private parts, outraging her modesty, having sex with minors, etc. are now considered more seriously than ever before. All the girl needs to do is complain so that we can gather biological evidences. Since the victim feels embarrassed, Cyberabad Commissioner has instructed only women police to investigate rape cases.”
— S. Sunitha, Inspector of Police, Moinabad PS
Women must hold their ground
We have a strong law on Rape. There is no dearth of women who come forward to complain and hold their ground. The problem is with the investigators, prosecutors and judiciary, which affects the victim or complainant when the case is in the criminal justice system.
The most recent case is of that Delhi high court which acquitted Farooqui. And the new title advocates of women’s rights have earned is ‘feminazis’ — what does this mean? We are here to stay!”
— Kalpana Kannabiran, Sociologist, Lawyer and Director of Council for Social Development, Hyderabad.
Speak up, woman!
In our legal system, there is a whole gamut of laws existing to punish those who perpetuate crime against women. The offences against which women are protected are present at all levels. What we require is that women subjected to an offence complain about the offence or any other person can report it. Even if they are expecting suo motto cognizance of an offence, the knowledge about the occurrence or reasonable doubts that such an offence has taken or will take place is essential for any person authorised under the law to act on.”
— Keerthi Anantha, Advocate, Tatva Legal, High Court, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Seeking justice
The moment a woman musters courage and lodges a complaint, the offender will be booked under the Indian Penal Code and Nirbhaya Acts.
Only during trial, that is after the evidence is collected, the court will decide the truth of the accusation. You have an example in the acquittal of the Peepli Live director who was acquitted by Delhi High Court on grounds that the woman had said yes.”
— A. Venkatesh, Advocate, Madras High Court.
