SC Tells Delhi Police To Create Fear Among Sexual Offenders, Focus On Colleges And Illegal Eateries

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Police to take stronger preventive measures against sexual crimes in the national capital, saying there must be a sense of fear among men who are prone to committing such offences.

A bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala said the police should begin by focusing on colleges where girl students are allegedly harassed by “hooligans” and then turn their attention to unauthorised eateries where anti-social elements reportedly gather and consume liquor.

Supreme Court Seeks Proactive Action From Delhi Police

The observations came as the Supreme Court continued proceedings initiated on its own over rape cases reported in Delhi and surrounding areas, including the alleged gang rape of a minor on a sleeper bus.

Referring to a gang rape case at a park in south Delhi, located barely 2 km from a girls’ college, the bench questioned the Delhi Police about the preventive action that should have been taken.

“It has been said people warned you about these people (criminals) even in this unfortunate case,” Justice Pardiwala said.

“How do you prevent such crimes? We want to make sure such crimes are stopped. We can make a difference if we work together,” he said.

The court also sought information from the police on the possibility of creating a war room to tackle sexual crimes in the national capital.

Focus On Colleges, Unauthorised Eateries

The Supreme Court asked the police to concentrate on multiple areas where potential offenders could be identified or monitored.

“We impress upon you, start concentrating on all aspects. It should not be that in the next four weeks more such incidents happen,” the bench said.

It specifically asked the police to focus on colleges, noting that “hooligans” allegedly harass girl students.

The court also referred to thousands of unauthorised eateries across Delhi, where it said anti-social elements gather and liquor is consumed.

One of the measures discussed by the court was tracking suspects through a national database of sexual offenders.

Supreme Court Recalls 2012 Nirbhaya Case

Justice Pardiwala also referred to the 2012 Nirbhaya case while stressing the need for preventive policing.

The judge recalled that the convicts in that case had also consumed food and alcohol before committing the crime.

The Supreme Court’s latest observations come as it seeks information from the Delhi Police on measures that can be taken to prevent sexual crimes and ensure that potential offenders face serious consequences.