Women's security issues raised in LS on Nirbhaya rape anniversary

New Delhi, Dec 16: On the second anniversary of the Delhi gangrape, three women members in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday raised the issue of women's security and demanded fast tracking of such cases.

Sushmita Dev (Cong) said cases disposed of by fast track courts relating to rape and crime against women are pending before the Supreme Court. She suggested that the government should move the apex court with an application for early disposal of the gangrape case. Kirron Kher (BJP) claimed that the victim of the Delhi gangrape could have survived had the passersby rushed her to the hospital within a hour after she was found on roadside.

Referring to a Private Member's Bill she had moved last week, Kher said the government should come up with a law to ensure that good Samaritans do not get into legal tangles for helping accident victims. She said hospitals should also be asked to provide at least first aid to such victims free of cost.

Meenakshi Lekhi (BJP) said while December 16 is the anniversary of the gangrape case, it is also Vijay Diwas to mark the victory of Indian armed forces in the 1971 war. She said it is important to appreciate the work of Delhi Police in the recent Uber rape case. Shobha Karandlaje (BJP) raised the issue of "sexual minorities" in the country who lack a proper voice to raise their grievances.

A Sampath (CPI-M) demanded that Supreme Court should set up regional benches to handle pending cases. He said by doing so, justice will come to people's doorsteps. He said Article 130 states that the Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places, as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, decide.

He also demanded that a permanent bench of the Kerala High Court be set up in Thiruananthpuram. Mohd Faizal (NCP) said travel restriction imposed on people was hurting tourism in Lakshadweep and those with tickets, accommodation proof and identity cards should be allowed to visit the islands.

PTI