DELHI GANGRAPE VERDICT
As the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence for four convicts in the December 2012 gangrape and murder case, here’s what eminent women across the spectrum from the region have to say
I welcome the Supreme Court verdict. There should be no space for such heinous crimes. We also need to focus on providing justice to the victims and their families in those cases that are not highprofile but need such type of sentences. This case should set an example for all cases. Aruna Chaudhary, education minister, Punjab
The verdict will prove to be a deterrent. Justice has been finally done. People also wanted death for the culprits. I’m not sure if it will make women feel safe in public places, but I’m certain that the fight for women safety has just begun. Baljinder Kaur, AAP MLA from Talwandi Sabo and Punjab women’s wing chief
This exemplary punishment is not the permanent solution. Law alone cannot remove inhuman characteristics from psyche of human beings. We must instil our cultural values that teach everyone the lesson of giving due respect to women. Inderjit Kaur, president, All India Pingalwara Charitable Society, Amritsar
A decision like this was the need of the hour. But, with just one such verdict, women cannot feel safe. Although the verdict will be known as a change in society, but real justice will be served the day when such incidents will stop happening. Atima Sharma, principal, KMV college, Jalandhar
The verdict will help in changing the mindset of men that they cannot just get away! This case, especially, has also made women bold enough to come out and raise their voice of protest. It will ensure that they will not keep quiet if they face harassment of any kind. Jagmati Sangwan, social activist
Court has done justice, and that’s is going to be a deterrent for criminals. But people tend to forget. So we need to focus on quick justice delivery. That will be a more effective deterrent. Society’s thought process is seeing a shift, at least in urban areas. The battle is long. Reeta Kohli, additional advocate general, Punjab
The crime was heinous, but I do not believe in capital punishment and the theory of ‘eye for an eye’. Monsters do not come up in isolation. There are several factors. Judges are influenced by what’s popular. The Mumbai factory rape and the Bilkis Bano case are examples. Neelam Mansingh, theatre director
The SC order will make a positive impact. But the machinery also needs to tackle the reason behind gruesome rapes: Alcohol. Even the Nirbhaya convicts felt later that they committed a mistake in inebriated condition. The SC should consider an alcohol ban to curb crime. Parvesh Arya, gender rights activist