Women's Safety and the Justice System: A Case Study of West Bengal
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Issues (Women's Issues, Crimes against Women); Indian Polity and Governance (Key Institutions - National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Judiciary, Police as a State subject).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Role of women and women's organization; Social empowerment.
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity, Social Justice & Governance): Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections (Women); Important aspects of governance.
Key Highlights from the News
This article discusses the alarming situation in West Bengal regarding crimes against women.
Despite the political leadership's claim of "zero tolerance," National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that crimes against women are very high in the state.
Key Concerns:
West Bengal is one of the states with the lowest conviction rate (average 5%) in the country for crimes against women.
It ranks first in the highest pendency of cases for trial.
It ranks first in the highest number of acquittals.
It is a leading state in crimes like acid attack and attempted rape.
Controversial remarks by the West Bengal Chief Minister about an assault on a medical student (advising not to go out at night) point to the social problem of "victim-blaming."
This data indicates that the state's legal system is failing to prevent crimes against women and punish perpetrators.
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