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The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent crimes against women, girls and infants in the country and called for immediate and comprehensive reforms to ensure their protection.
In a statement, the association, led by its president and senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, sought a complete and effective ban on public access to online pornography and the regulation of unfiltered obscenity on OTT platforms.
"The SCWLA is deeply shocked, traumatised, agonised and pained by the recent spurt of crimes against women, girls and infants, who come from various walks of life, caste, class and age, which were reported in Kolkata, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other parts of India at the hands of brutal, insensitive, perverted perpetrators," the statement said.
"The association condemns the recent horrific crimes against young girls and women and calls for immediate and comprehensive reforms to protect women," it added.
"We also urge that gender sensitisation committees come into place in all public and private sectors in consonance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) guidelines," it said.
In response to these atrocities, the association highlighted the urgent need for functional CCTV systems in every workplace and institution across the country.
The organisation also emphasised the importance of establishing Gender Sensitisation Committees in all public and private sectors, in alignment with the POSH guidelines.
The SCWLA urged all stakeholders to take immediate action to create a safer environment for women.
"We are resolute in our mission to advocate for the safety and dignity of women across India," the statement read.
"We call upon government officials, legal authorities, and the public to unite in addressing these pressing issues with the urgency and seriousness they demand. Only through comprehensive and coordinated action can we hope to create a safer, more equitable society for all women," it said further.
The statement comes amid the spiralling nationwide protests over the brutal rape and killing of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this month.
Hearing the matter, Supreme Court has even constituted a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
