Need to create fear in minds, Supreme Court tells cops amid Delhi rape cases

This comes days after the court took note of the recent spate of sexual assault incidents reported from various parts of the wider National Capital Region (NCR).New Delhi: Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) students hold a solidarity march demanding enhanced safety measures following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at nearby Aastha Kunj Park, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (PTI Photo)The Supreme Court on Monday said harsher measures and a more robust policing strategy need to be put in place to deter "anti-social elements" from committing sexual crimes in Delhi.This comes days after the court took note of the recent spate of sexual assault incidents reported from various parts of the wider National Capital Region (NCR)."You need to create fear in the mind of anti-social elements," the bench told Delhi Police. During the hearing, Justice Pardiwala said, "They should think 'ab kuch kiya toh marr jaenge'."The court also said that the police should not hesitate from taking strict action whenever required. "Do not hesitate to be a little more harsh and strict – there may be people who raise hue and cry about article 21 – but you take action as required," the bench stated.The Supreme Court stressed that beat patrolling is key to ensuring public safety, asking the Delhi Police to ensure that personnel remain mobile and actively patrol their assigned areas. Questioning the practice of police vans remaining parked at one spot, the bench asked why they were not moving around as part of regular patrolling.The court also sought details on steps taken to illuminate dark and poorly lit areas, stressing the need to address spots that could pose safety concerns.It asked the police to engage with local residents and listen to their complaints, particularly those concerning inadequate street lighting and the presence of hooligans.The court also flagged "illegal eateries and liquor stores" as places where hooligans may gather and asked the police to address such concerns.- Ends