The Supreme Court’s ruling that courts should not fall for the subterfuge of a rape convict to corner his traumatised victim into a compromise is not only a commendable outcome but also proves that the highest court of the land always strives to preserve the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution for a woman (“Women’s dignity sacrosanct, no mediation in rape cases”, July 2). In most rape cases, most go unreported as the survivor gives in to varying pressures ranging from political pinpricks, and financial deficiency in fighting for the justice, to life threats and even social stigma.
When a brave survivor dares to report the case, what could have been more traumatising if her fight for justice turns into wedlock with someone who shattered her personal liberty?
Ippili Santhosh Kumar,Hyderabad
The conviction rate in our country is low in cases of rape. For lack of evidence, the accused often gets away scot free. Added to it is the prolonged time it takes for judicial verdicts, further compounded by the police inaction in many a case. Mediation will only make a mockery of the system of justice. It is fortunate that the Supreme Court stepped in at the right time.
Sravana Ramachandran,Udhagamandalam
The Supreme Court has saved the sacrosanct institute of marriage. Marriage is not solely about one-sided compromise but is more about an association of two souls. The Madras High Court’s verdict was horrifying and reflected legal insensitivity towards the trauma and agony rape survivors undergo. It was nothing but showing further leniency for the rapist to further defile a woman. Is this what we proclaim as being women’s empowerment?
Shubhangi Dubey,Kanpur
The ruling is a clear signal to all judges that no attempt whatsoever should be made so as to resort to conciliation and mediation between the survivor/victim of any kind of sexual assault. One really wonders how in contemporary era where sexual violence is escalating with each passing day, the courts of our country can even think of adopting such measures which are still being employed by some khap /village panchayats.
Hemant Kumar,Ambala, Haryana
