Crime against women in India: A socio-legal overview

Abstract

The sudden increase in crime against women in India is a matter of concern. The most of the crimes against women are registered either under section 354 and/or section 376 of Indian Penal Code. Recent incident of rape and murder of Nirbhaya in Delhi has raised unprecedented public outcry resulting suitable changes in Indian Penal Code. The tightening of Juvenile Justice Act and Indian Penal Code was done and more Fast Tract Courts were set up for speedy trial of crimes against women. There were registered only 680 cases of rape 2012 and 1559 case were reported in 2013. There was rapid increase in 2014 resulting 1925 rape case reported against the offence. Slow trials of cases are the matter of concern and the same is caused due to unwarranted plea of adjournments. Speedy trial is the legal right of both accused and the victim. No procedure which does not ensure a reasonably quick trial can be regarded as reasonable fair and just and it would full foul to Article 21 of Constitution. Speedy Trial is prescribed under the Criminal Procedure Code also. A large number of cases of rape and molestation are unreported because the women victims of offences are reluctant to lodge complaint as they fear disputation and in many cases police refuse to register the Fir. The Trial Court and prosecution must ensure speedy trial because inordinate delay in trial provides undue advantage to the accused and an inordinate delayed trial may even be even quashed.