Was it justice or encounter raj? The script of the horrific Hyderabad rape and murder case took a sensational twist as the four accused were shot dead in an early morning police encounter. While huge sections of people celebrated and cheered and patted the police for their actions, critical questions remained unanswered: Has justice been delivered? Can this act as a strong deterrent against rapes and other sexual offences against women? Are we giving a legitimate spin to extra-judicial killings? Or, does this encounter set a dangerous precedent?
The cheer among society highlights the fact that people are losing faith in justice delivery. It highlights the need for a change in the current system, which is painstakingly slow. Statistics suggest that there are 1.16 lakh cases of crimes against women and children pending in fast-track courts across the nation. We are still not able to get swift justice. And the Union government’s assurance of setting up an additional 1023 fast track courts to the existing 664 doesn’t enthuse anyone.
Take the Nirbhaya rape case of Dec 16, 2012. Six men, including a juvenile, gang-raped a medical student in the moving bus when she was returning home after watching a movie. Seven years later, the four accused against whom there is a death sentence, are yet to face the gallows. These are instances which compel the common man to find solace in outcomes like in the Hyderabad rape case, even if there are questions over human rights violations.
The crux of the matter is that the country has seen a drastic rise in crimes against women. There have been enough silent candlelit rallies and solidarity meets, but when it comes to justice, it has always been an agonizing wait, and a low conviction rate is only adding to the pain.
On the flip side, another debate revolves around police procedures laid down by the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Propriety of police action will still come under scrutiny. The moral script charts a different course and violations of human rights come to the fore. The alleged rapists died as accused, not convicts. Police became the judge, jury and executioner even before a trial could begin. They may have earned the much-needed bravado, after all the flak they were facing. But this encounter is just not enough to win the confidence of the people, especially women when it comes to security. The ‘beti bachao’ movement cannot achieve its goals through such encounters.
India learnt its bitter lessons the hard way, and this encounter will hopefully trigger a change. Fast-track courts need to deliver speedy justice and win back the confidence of the people. From tying of raakhis and bursting of firecrackers over the killing of humans is a testimony of a failed democratic system.
