On this grim 12th anniversary of the Delhi gangrape and murder case, Nirbhaya’s mother, Asha Devi, has voiced grave concerns over the continued issues of safety for women in India.
The truly horrifying incident that shocked the nation led to major legal and social reforms. It actually stands as a symbol of women’s issues faced even today.
Painful Reflections and Unchanged Realities
Asha Devi, while reflecting on the tragedy, repeatedly emphasized that the safety of daughters in the country has not changed at all in the last 12 years, despite legislative reforms and public protests.
She expressed disappointment at the lack of timely justice and denounced the social and political obstacles towards any progress.
“Women are still not safe 12 years down the line,” she sensitized, asking authorities and society to act on the matter and invoke harsher laws.
The 2012 Case: Catalyst for Change
The Delhi gangrape involved a brutal assault on a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, later known as “Nirbhaya” (fearless), on a moving bus by six men.
The tempestuous crime eventually led to her death and ignited nationwide protests, leading to the formulation of the Justice Verma Committee.
Key reforms were the passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which gave a broader definition of sexual violence and provided for stricter punishment with the death penalty applicable to some offenses.
The changes, hailed as milestones, did little to reduce Nirbhaya’s family’s determination to bring about even greater implementation and awareness.
Scourge of Crimes Against Women
Recent reports have only underscored the pressing urgency to address the issue. In 2023, more than 14,000 crimes committed against women were reported in Delhi alone; numbers that sharply contrast with those from previous years.
Rape, molestation, and domestic violence remain not only rampant but have worsened since 2012.
While laws are in place, Asha Devi maintained that factors related to the public’s attitude and systemic failures remain the causes behind such alarming figures.
The long duration of trials and implementation often leads survivors and their families into prolonged agony.
Social Responsibility
At the same time, she demanded that ordinary citizens rally in support of against gender-based violence.
In her view, change starts from the grassroots-initiated campaigns for awareness in education for the destruction of patriarchal ideas, so as to work towards gender equality.
Mixed Messages from Society
This case has endured across generations. Many declare progress as public consciousness pertaining to women’s rights begins to take root.
However, according to Asha Devi, many believe that systemic changes fail to reform adequately.
The justice system has undergone reformation, though it is criticized for procedural delays that often dilute the effectiveness of the reformation process that has taken place.
A Continuing Struggle for Justice
Asha Devi has taken her grief and transformed it into action by leading marches and becoming the voice of change.
This anniversary, she is reiterating a promise that no other family shall undergo the suffering she has passed through and demanding accountability from political leaders that the delays in pulling the trigger against the convicts in Nirbhaya’s case are a result of political maneuvering.
The 2012 incident and what followed has signified an urgent necessity for multi-faceted solutions to make public spaces, workplaces, and homes safer for women.
It is also a wake-up call to joint accountability in ensuring broad access to justice and equality.
