This refers to the editorial, “Appropriate verdict” (September 14). The nation seems is celebrating the fast-track court's verdict awarding death to the perpetrators of the horrific December 16 gang rape, which has come within 10 months of the crime, as if a big battle has been won.
While the mood is upbeat, more needs to be done to prevent recurrence of such crimes. However, one thing is clear, as the verdict shows: The system can work if it wants to. Unfortunately, the same system is showing its lethargy in the Vithura, Suryanelli and, more recently, in the Kamduni rape cases.
There are thousands of such cases pending in trial courts and thousands more being added. The prolonged trial only heightens the rape survivors' agonising wait for justice. A decision in one case does not reflect any change in the system's attitude. Indeed, deterrent punishment is not the only solution to curb crime. There are several factors which help criminals to thrive. We have to address these issues to develop a society with humane values.