Can't help but draw parallels to Nirbhaya case: SC takes note of Delhi rapes

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Delhi Police and the Delhi government over a spate of rape cases in Delhi, saying such incidents “starkly underlined a systematic failure” to guarantee basic public safety. The court’s strong remarks came as the capital reported four rape cases involving minors in the past two weeks.Taking note of the cases, a bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala said public spaces such as parks and buses cannot become “zones of high risk” because of inadequate lighting, surveillance and other administrative facilities.The court said the incidents raised serious concerns about law enforcement and public administration and stressed that the right to live with dignity and free from fear is part of fundamental rights. “One cannot help but draw painful parallels to the Nirbhaya incident of 2012,” the bench said.It also criticised statements by public representatives expressing concern over the incidents, saying that expressions of solidarity without accountability were not enough. “Expressing solidarity is not a solution. What is required is a measurable response,” the court observed. This is a developing story. It will be updated.- Ends