Public memory is proverbially short. But the gang rapes in Delhi and elsewhere in India have not been forgotten. What is reassuring is that crime against women in the country is now receiving the attention it demands. Strict penalties are being thought of. The Justice Verma Committee is finalizing its suggestions. The sexual assault bill is being made more comprehensive. The Union Home Ministry is mulling over amending the criminal law bill to include stalking and sexual harassment. So far these have been bailable offences, lightly punished under Sections 354 and 509. Stalking and intimidation of women have so far been treated as minor threats to their privacy and security. Women are reluctant to report such cases as the police are likely to brush them aside. Women have to put up with eve-teasing or street sexual harassment without complaining. In any case, the criminals are let off lightly if their offences are reported.
At the same time, the consequences of every step forward have to be carefully examined. What will be the effect or making sexual harassment and stalking non-bailable offences? Evidence is tampered with and the offenders get off scot free. It is necessary to have a sense of proportion; rape cannot be put in the same category as cat calls. Fast-track courts should definitely take prompt action in cases of sexual violence. But they should not be allowed to encroach on constitutional rights and hasty verdicts should be avoided. Justice is of course the paramount need. But it should not be vitiated by unnecessary speed. Rape, however,is an exception and here there can be no forgiveness.