In what turned out to be an emotionally surcharged discussion, members of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council deplored leniency shown to the perpetrators of crimes against women and demanded nothing short of stern punishment and its execution in full view of public.
Laws be amended to deny bail to the accused in sexual atrocities against women and to facilitate time-bound investigation and conviction as in some Gulf countries, demanded MLCs P.Samanthakamani and Nannapaneni Rajakumari.
Raising the alarming increase of sexual violence against women, including the recent cases of gang rape of a young woman in a farm house on city outskirts and that of a tribal woman who was travelling in an auto-rickshaw with her husband, the members deplored the present system which allowed the accused to roam freely by securing bail.
The issue came up for discussion under Rule 70 (Calling attention to the matters of urgent public importance) in the Council on Monday.
Not satisfied with the ‘routine’ statement made by the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister N. China Rajappa about measures being taken to curb crime against women, Ms Samanthakamani and Ms Rajakumari expressed their serious concern over the shameful incidents that were becoming widespread despite enactment of Nirbhaya Act.
“We wonder whether we are living in a civilised society or in a Jungle Raj. Rapes against women are spreading like an epidemic. If women had no safety in public transport, public places and even in their homes, it indicated a deep crisis in the society,” they said and vowed to take it up with both the Chief Ministers and demand for an all-party meeting.
Members A. Lakshmi Siva Kumari and B. Indira said many incidents would go unreported because of the social stigma and when a case was reported, suo motu action be taken against the accused even if no formal complaint was lodged.
Leader of Opposition C. Ramachandraiah said those who committed rapes should be subjected to social boycott. The government on the other hand should ensure strict enforcement of laws irrespective of the status of the accused to improve compliance.
CPI member P.J. Chandrasekhar said depiction of women as sexual commodities was contributing to such crimes and the government should act swiftly given the gravity of crime.
Mr Jupudi Prabhakar urged the House to call for regulation of media including social media that had been airing objectionable depiction of women. Political system, judiciary and media, all should be accountable and sensitive to crime against women, he said.
