The suggestion by the Madras High Court will not put an end to rapes but will replicate India as Saudi Arabia (“ >To put an end to abuse of children, HC suggests castration of rapists ”, Oct. 26). Stringent punishments like the death penalty have not reduced the crimes so far. What India needs is proper sex education from the school level, that nurtures children and offers scientific information about sex. This prevents the child from being influenced by neighbours, films etc, preventing future perpetrators.
Subbiah Bharathi U.,
Nagercoil
The Madras High Court order suggesting castration of child rapists may neither find a favour from the government nor offer any solution to the core issue. There could be no second opinion on handing over the maximum punishment for the criminal and immoral act of child sexual abuse but castration is not acceptable in a civilised society. This does not undermine the sufferings of the victim. But all offenders under this category are not paedophiles and in most of the cases, are relatives and acquaintances. Eradication of poverty, better education to all, safe surrounding and more importantly educating the children on ‘good and bad touch’ will go a long way. Prevention is always better than cure.
C.R. Ananthanarayanan,
Bengaluru
The suggestion made by the Madras High Court to award castration as punishment for those who perpetrate acts of sexual violence against children merits serious consideration. While we have scores of laws to deal with sexual crimes against children, they do not appear to have had the desired impact. Given the increasing instances of sexual abuse against children, one cannot help but underscore the need for more stringent legal framework to deal with perverts on the prowl. More than the severity of the punishment, it is the certainty of the punishment which deters people.
M. Jeyaram,
Sholavandan
The High Court suggestion is harsh but given the increase in such incidents, such stringent punishment may act as a remedy to the malady. The government may call for suggestions from well-meaning people and intellectuals and consider the repercussions before jumping the gun.
H.P. Murali,
Bengaluru
It is a move in the right direction to put an end to child abuse. The judge’s suggestion’s came while dismissing a petition by the accused, a British national, who sought quashing of proceedings against him in a lower court. The suggestion of castration looks barbaric, but barbaric crimes should definitely attract barbaric punishment. So, there is no second thought. The government should also introduce compulsory sex education for high school students.
Jayanthy S. Maniam,
Mumbai
