 |
| Delhi High Court Pressures Government for Swift Action on Women's Safety: Eyes on DTC Buses and Taxis |
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has intensified its scrutiny on the issue of women's safety in the national capital. In a hearing on Tuesday, the court directed the Delhi government to furnish detailed information on the viability of incorporating cameras on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and installing alert buttons on the driver and conductor's seats, aiming to bolster the security of women commuters.
This directive emerged during the proceedings of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by the court in 2012, in the aftermath of the tragic gangrape incident that shook the nation in December of the same year. The bench, comprising Justices Kameswar Rao and Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, raised pertinent questions regarding the measures taken by the government to improve women's safety.
The court sought clarity on various aspects, including the presence of cameras in DTC buses, the implementation of push-to-talk buttons on CCTV poles, the duration for which CCTV footage is preserved, and whether any audits are conducted on the functionality of installed CCTV systems. The Delhi government was instructed to submit a comprehensive status report addressing the feasibility of integrating cameras and alert buttons on DTC buses. Additionally, the court requested information on the preservation period of CCTV data and compliance with previous orders, such as the potential placement of hoardings or posters in public transport to raise awareness against the harassment of women.
Expressing concerns about the safety of women in taxis, the court highlighted the lack of functional panic buttons in a majority of such vehicles. Consequently, the court sought information on safety measures implemented in taxis for women passengers.
Earlier in October, the court had asked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its stance on placing posters or hoardings in buses and other public transport to raise awareness against harassment of women and enhance women's safety. Amicus Curiae, Advocate Meera Bhatia, suggested that the government consider placing posters indicating that harassment is a serious and punishable offense, acting as a potential deterrent.
In response to the court's inquiries, the Delhi government's counsel revealed that the consideration of installing "push-to-talk or panic buttons" on CCTV poles is actively underway within the Delhi Police's Technology Division. Notably, in August, the Delhi Police informed the court that a total of 6,630 strategically placed CCTV cameras are actively monitoring vulnerable areas across the national capital through 50 master control rooms, as part of efforts to enhance the safety of women.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the Delhi government's commitment to implementing tangible measures that will effectively contribute to the safety and security of women in public transportation, marking a crucial step towards creating a safer environment for all commuters in the bustling metropolis.
