Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association condemn recent crimes against women, seek shield

 Association demands CCTVs in workplaces, ban on OTT 'obscenity' and porn

Doctors protest on Jantar Mantar Road in New Delhi on Wednesday against the rape and murder of RG Kar junior doctor: PTI picture

TT, New Delhi, 22.08.24 : The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) on Wednesday condemned the recent crimes against young girls and women, in the context of the rape and murder of the junior doctor at RG Medical College and Hospital in Calcutta.

The association called for immediate comprehensive reforms to protect women, including a complete ban on “obscenity” displayed on OTT platforms and online pornography.

“The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association is deeply shocked, traumatised, agonised and pained by the recent spurt of crimes against women, girls and infants, who come from various walks of life, caste, class and age which were reported in Kolkata, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other parts of India at the hands of brutal, insensitive perverted perpetrators, and sexual nymphomaniac, paedophile offenders. These incidents have shaken our collective conscience to the core.

“While the women of the nation feel insecure and unsafe, no quantum of stringent a deterrent, laws seem to be working as therefore, we urge that there must be a complete and effective ban on public viewing and unfiltered obscenity of online pornography on OTT platforms across the country,” said an official statement issued by the association here.

The forum sought CCTVs in every workplace and institution across the country and “gender sensitisation committees” at public and private offices in India.

“The SCWLA is resolute in its mission to advocate for the safety and dignity of women across India. We call upon government officials, legal authorities and the public to unite in addressing these pressing issues with the urgency and seriousness they demand.

“Only through comprehensive and coordinated action we can hope to create a safer, more equitable society for all women,” the statement said.

It added that the association strongly condemns these horrendous, violent and brutal crimes and stands in complete solidarity with the young girls and women of the country.

The statement has been jointly signed by the organisation’s president Mahalakshmi Pavani, vice-president Bhakti Pasrija Sethi, advocate Priyanka Mathur, general secretary Prernaa Singh, assistant secretary Mansa Singh, treasurer Sudha Pal and assistant treasurer Subhra Saha.

Amid spiralling nationwide protests over the rape and killing of the doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Supreme Court on Tuesday constituted a national task force to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.