Women across the city have welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict as a “strong message” that will hopefully act as a “deterrent”. Many others, however, said that not much had changed when it comes to women’s safety.
‘Preventive steps needed’
Ankita Lalwani, 20, a student of Delhi University, said, “The verdict has served justice where it was needed. It must act as a deterrent. However, only punishing criminals cannot instil a sense of security.” Ms. Lalwani added that it was equally important to take preventive measures. “A sense of security can be achieved when society respects women first,” she said.
More than four years later, with laws changed, Delhi is still unsafe for working women. “I take the metro back home to east Delhi. However, getting home from the metro station is what I dread. I usually call someone while walking home. The sense of fear has become natural,” said Parul Mehta, 26, who works at a restaurant.
Vedica Ramnani, 19, a student of law, remembered how 2012 had ended on a shocking note. “This actually is a ‘rarest of rare’ case. However, I do not think the verdict will be much of a deterrent,” said Ms. Ramnani.
Commenting on the media coverage the Nirbhaya case got, 21-year-old YMCA student Neha said all such cases should be treated alike. “All rape accused should get capital punishment,” she said.
