Dear Editor,
This has reference to your thought-provoking article ‘Larger societal response needed to cure rape epidemic’ by S. Narinder Singh (ST – June 29). In view of the increasing incidence of the rape incidents, it is absolutely necessary to review the rape law humanely and progressively as the existing law is not only partial but also outdated. The subject needs a comprehensive review and should include various types of assault, violence and torture, and with gender neutrality. Indian women are far too vulnerable to violent assaults. Sexual violence in villages, though little reported, keeps girls and women indoors after dark. The pity is that to change attitudes to rape so many young women have had to suffer and die. Sexually molesting women (euphemistically called ‘eve teasing’ by the locals) is a way of life especially in the city. An act the police never prosecute and the public ignores.Women are routinely groped and harassed by men on buses and trains. The reason behind is the vulgar display by even top grade heroines in the form of ‘item numbers’ has become a must for any successful movie. All these adds to the frustration where the age of sexual maturity does not match with the permissible age for marriage.A piece of fool-proof legislation is needed to safeguard innocent victims.
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad
