Concerned over the increasing cases of crime against women in the country, particularly in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath has said that such incidents need to be dealt with firmly.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Ms. Tirath said such incidents were against the United Progressive Alliance government's policy of women's empowerment, which saw the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
Suggesting urgent measures to tackle these crimes, Ms. Tirath said the police should file FIRs in all cases immediately, and any dilatory tactics, soft-pedalling or procrastination must invite exemplary penal action. Any police official not filing an FIR must be suspended.
All cases of rape must be tried by fast-track courts with hearings on day-to-day basis. Instant redressal of cases at judicial and administrative level would have a telling effect and improve the environment in favour of women, providing them due security and status, she said, adding that this needed to be administratively followed up and, if necessary, legally pursued. The Minister said she was determined to pursue it at all appropriate levels.
The National Commission for Women and National Human Rights Commission have confirmed excesses against women, the statement said.
