Mumbai: Attempts to improve the system have seen little success. After the horrific gang rape of a medical student in Delhi, a series of fast-track courts were set up to speed up cases concerning violence against women. It hasn’t made much of a difference. Over 93 per cent of rape cases are still pending trial. Trivial matters hold up the case’s progress.
Asha was gang raped in 2005, when she was just 13. Until 2013, the court was simply trying to decide whether one of the men who raped her should be tried as a juvenile or an adult.
Even after her case was fast-tracked, it took two years for the court to sentence the man who arranged the gang-rape.
Her friend, who can’t be identified for legal reasons says: “Her entire childhood has been eaten away by this trauma. The man is now married and has children and has even run for election. No one will marry Asha or her younger sister because of what happened to her.” Her lawyer says that he’s certain the man will appeal the judges verdict. “Why would you not appeal?” he says, over the phone. “It’s a way out.”
In the absence of speedy justice, vigilantism thrives. Groups defending women’s rights such as the Gulabi Gang or the Love Commandos are infamous for taking their revenge in cases of domestic violence and honour killings. Corruption too, is endemic. People would rather bribe a police officer or a judge than go through the lengthy hassle of a trial.
