The Supreme Court, in a suo motu case, directed mapping of vulnerable zones, enhanced CCTVs, lighting, and police patrols in Delhi-NCR after noting lack of progress in women's safety post-Nirbhaya.
SC Directs Comprehensive Safety Measures in Delhi-NCR
In a suo motu case concerning a series of rape incidents in Delhi-NCR, including the alleged gang rape of a teenager in a public park, the Supreme Court issued urgent directions to enhance women's safety. A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran observed that systemic failures persist in law enforcement and civic infrastructure despite the 2012 Nirbhaya case.
The court ordered detailed mapping of vulnerable zones by Delhi Police and municipal authorities, installation of additional CCTV cameras with real-time monitoring, improved street lighting, and increased night police patrols. It also directed the formation of a special task force to coordinate inter-agency responses and mandated quarterly compliance reports to the court. The judiciary emphasized that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to live with dignity and safety in public spaces.
For practitioners, this order reinforces judicial activism in enforcing state duty under Article 21. The suo motu cognizance may set a precedent for judicial intervention in recurring public safety failures. Advocates handling public interest matters should consider citing this case when challenging inadequate state response to gender-based violence.
Citations
- In Re: Recent Rape Incidents in Delhi NCR
