Delhi High Court: Real Empowerment Lies In Women’s Safety In Public Spaces

The Delhi High Court stated that, even decades after independence, women still face harassment in public places. True empowerment will happen only when they can move freely without fear. Despite strict laws, rising crimes against women show criminals’ audacity, as they believe they will face no consequences.

Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma made these remarks while hearing a challenge to a lower court’s conviction in a harassment case. The accused was found guilty under IPC sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s dignity) and 509 (insulting a woman’s dignity through words or gestures).

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The court upheld the conviction, stating that such acts highlight the harsh reality that girls are still unsafe in public places. The judge emphasized that inaction and silence empower perpetrators. It is society’s duty to stand against harassment and uphold the law.

The court stressed the urgent need to create a safe environment for women. Public places must be secured, and those making them unsafe should be dealt with strictly. Without this, discussions on women’s progress remain superficial. True empowerment starts with the right to live and move freely without fear.

In this case, the accused allegedly made inappropriate gestures and winked at the complainant in a bus. When she objected, he forcibly grabbed and kissed her. She slapped him, but he refused to let her go.

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