SC notice to Centre on PIL for awareness about anti-rape laws

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Centre and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks increased public awareness on penal provisions related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Another plea seeks securityfor hospital staff

• The SC asked the Centre and the Uttarakhand Government to respond to a petition seeking framing of guidelines for the protection of hospital staff across India, regardless of their qualification
• Acting on a plea filed by a girl whose mother was allegedly raped and killed while working as OPD assistant at a hospital, the court asked the respondents to spell out their stand on the issue

The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also involved the ministries of education and information and broadcasting in the proceedings.

The PIL, filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda, emphasises the need for educating the public about the severe consequences of sexual offences and the importance of creating a safer environment for women and girls. It calls for directions to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CBFC, and other authorities to raise awareness on the punishments for rape and the provisions under the POCSO Act.

During the hearing, the Bench mentioned that it was in the process of preparing a judgment on a POCSO case and might issue guidelines addressing the concerns raised in the PIL. The CJI noted that the matter would be listed after the judgment.

“We need the help of the Centre, states and all combined to disseminate information about the potential the laws have to cure this problem, in the form of prevention of rapes.... A large number of people in this country are completely unaware of the deterrence for rape (and) the new definition of rape after the Nirbhaya case in 2013...,” Ponda said.

The PIL also called for changes in the education system, urging the Ministry of Education to incorporate lessons on the penal laws concerning sexual offences and moral training in schools. This, according to the petitioner, would help change the mindset of boys from a young age, fostering a culture of respect for women and gender equality.

Furthermore, the PIL requested that authorities use various platforms such as advertisements, seminars, and pamphlets to disseminate information on laws protecting women and children from sexual violence.