By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Taking note of the growing number of crimes against women in ‘matrilineal Meghalaya’, Governor RS Mooshahary said there is an emergent need to fast track all cases of crime against women.
He also expressed surprise over the fact that there was not a single conviction in connection with crime against women in 2011.
“There were seven convictions in 2009, four in 2010 and none in 2011. Against this, acquittals accounted for 16 in 2009, five in 2010 and 20 in 2011,” he pointed out.
While giving details of the crimes against women in the State, he said in 2009, the State Police registered as many as 237 cases. The number rose to 261 in 2010 and 269 in 2011.
He also informed that during the corresponding period, 705, 800 and 903 cases respectively were pending for trial in different courts of the State.
“Of these, pending cases of rape alone accounted for 414 in 2009, 483 in 2010 and 544 in 2011,” he said.
Asserting the need for a responsive and gender sensitive justice delivery system the Governor said, “Administration of justice needs to be toned up significantly if the law has to have any deterrent effect.”
While terming the New Delhi gang rape as an incident which brought shame to the country, Mooshahary said that civil societies and traditional institutions should introspect and debate on the burning issue and come forward with logical suggestions to ensure safety to the womenfolk.
