The release of the convicted juvenile — now 20 plus and involved in gangrape of a 23-year-old paramedical girl in December 16, 2012 — on this Sunday has outraged public who questioned the Delhi High Court’s refusal to stay his release.
From a common man to top-brass, the verdict has not gone down well as people wanted him to remain in custody. They criticised the court for not realising the nature of crime and not making a move beyond ‘laws’ for the women in the Capital.
“It is highly unexpected and shocking as ever since the horrendous incident took place, we were fighting for justice and today we were rendered speechless by the order that the Delhi High Court has given,” said Ranjana Kumari, director of Centre for Social Research and an activist.
Rajya Sabha MP, Rajeev Chandrashekhar said,”The Jyoti Singh/Nirbhaya case exposes the weakness in laws and women and child victims’ rights. What can a court do when laws are weak and in adequate. Both Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO need stringent review. Only if Parliament and the Rajya Sabha had functioned, brave- heart Jyoti Singh would have had the benefit of the amended Juvenile Justice Act that was listed to be debated since last week!”
lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung said, “We are concerned by rapes and molestation of women. Statistically, 94 per cent of such cases are coming from relations and immediate neighbours. So that arises from the mentality of the people, it is not coming from a lack of administration.”
In reply to question on changes in juvenile justice and the issue relating to release of the accused in Nirbhaya gangrape case, Jung said, “I think the Government is actively engaged to bring down this age. The juvenile homes we have are not working very efficiently and the courts are monitoring them.”
Twenty-year-old theatre artist Punita Chira said, “This release is a slap on our faces; it underlines that the security of women can only be talked about but nothing can be done for the same.”
Hiteshi Malhotra, 22, said, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used to protest for its citizens’ rights but today his Government is notifying that the juvenile had undergone reform and is set to be released. He had presented how to mock citizens’ expectations and demands on a sensitive issue of that of women security.”