Hyderabad: Even as the country is developing and competing with the world in science, technology and the economy, it is failing to prevent atrocities against women and children, former Telangana high court judge Justice G Radha Rani said on Friday.She observed that while India has robust legal safeguards, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to offences against women and children, and various victim compensation schemes, justice often remains elusive because laws are only as effective as their implementation.“We must move beyond temporary public outrage and political blame games. The question before us is not merely why these crimes occur, but why they continue despite strong laws,” she said, adding that justice was frequently delayed due to insensitive investigations, intimidation of victims and deep-rooted social stigma.The former judge said every institution had a responsibility in tackling violence against women and children. “The police must investigate professionally and compassionately. The judiciary should ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done within a reasonable time. Lawyers must uphold the highest ethical standards while protecting the rights of both victims and the accused. Educational institutions must nurture respect, equality, empathy and constitutional values. Parents should raise their sons with the same care with which they protect their daughters, teaching respect rather than merely imposing restrictions,” she said.Referring to the Kathua rape and murder, the Disha case, the violence in Manipur, and the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, she said these were not isolated incidents but reflected systemic failures in ensuring women’s safety and timely justice.Stressing that prevention was more effective than punishment, Radha Rani said gender sensitisation must begin at home and in schools, not in courtrooms. “Boys and girls alike must learn that equality is not a favour but a constitutional guarantee,” she said.
