Serious systematic reform

There is a debate among the people and the leaders of the Opposition on the need for castration or introduction of death penalty for the rapists. But unfortunately, none of them is ready to look beyond these easily available options. Whereas castration may decrease the sexual prowess of the rapist, but will that make women feel safe on the streets? Will it teach men to treat their partners with dignity and respect? Is not there a need for overall systematic reform regarding all spheres of a woman's life? What about reforming laws regarding medical evidence, statement of the victim, hospital records, immediate medical aid to victims before lodging of FIR, complaints against harassment for dowry, eve-teasing, marital rape, destruction of evidence, physical torture, etc..? War hungry politicians have enough provoked the people to clash with the police and it is not surprising that the people have taken to the roads for justice. The class of Indians that is yet undivided in terms of caste, color, language, or creed have forgotten that there is more to be attained and established. A serious national review of all legal issues surrounding rape, sexual assault, and gender rights need to be done on a national basis. Women cells to deal with need to be set up with officials and counselors necessitating to be women. Speedy trials and adequate compensation in case of the aforesaid crimes should be assured. Government should be more open to communication and feedback (even if it means brickbats) owing to its nonchalant attitude and indifferent policies. There is a common feeling among bureaucrats and government officials that death penalty mandatory for rape will make it more likely that a rapist kills his victim. But in spite of the existing laws, there have been cases that the rapists have murdered or attempted to murder their victims. In such a case, a law should be enacted which will instill fear in the minds of wayward people before they attempt to do anything wrong with our womenfolk. Systematic reforms regarding all crimes against women need to be looked at again and amended as per the changing times keeping into mind the security of the women and children in our country. Rape cases that have not been decided yet need to be reviewed under the new laws to be enacted. What the government must do is to commit itself to employing all the recommendations, including any on police or judicial reform, and not simply pick out those, which are politically the most convenient.