Jharkhand State Commission for Women (JSCW) has considered its role as a “watch dog” regarding cases of crime against women in the State. Chairperson of the Commission Dr Mahua Maji feels that the State police officials were doing their job effectively in such issues.

“In cases of ‘crime against women like rape and sexual harassment’ our work is basically to observe so that police and other administrative people take immediate steps to ensure justice to the victimised girl or women. We do go for counselling of both the parties if situation demands. On the other hand, if it is a case of domestic violence we can use our full fledged powers through discussions and organising family courts,” Maji said.

Till date JSCW had pressurised the State administration like Jharkhand Director of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar for more than 155 cases to enquire the respective happenings. Member of the Commission, Shabnam Parvin said that the Commission did not record the case number but made it sure that the convicts were arrested and prompt action was taken on them. She said, “Our legal power is only to keep a check of providing justice to a victimised female. We cannot do anything more that this ability of observance.”

“In case we receive an application, we make sure that the respective District Superintendent of Police takes strict action against the criminals,” Parvin added.

Notably, the JSCW had been writing a letter to DGP whenever a case of rape or sexual harassment has taken place within the State especially in the State capital like the gang-rape of a minor girl on the outskirts of Ranchi on January 12. Also, the Commission had taken serious note on gang-rape of an 11 year old tribal girl at Bariatu in December last year.

According to JSCW sources, they have solved around 70 out of 150 cases filed in the Commission after their joining here on November 11.

However, the Commission had failed in keeping its promise of insisting the State Government to begin ‘sexual harassment cell’ in all the private and public departments with regard to the Vishaka guidelines including physical contact cum advances, a demand or rAequest for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography or any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non verbal conduct of sexual nature by a male employee.

Registrar of National University of Study and Research in law (NUSRl) Alok Kumar Sengupta who is presently undergoing a research has recently written an article on ‘Gender Justice’. Hearing the initiatives of JSCW concerning women safety he felt the need of Justice Verma Committee guidelines which ensures speedy justice to rape victims. “It is high time to implement the suggestions of Justice JS Verma Committee,” he has written in his article.