The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Police and other authorities to undertake immediate and systemic measures to prevent crimes against women in Delhi-NCR, stressing that the policing system must focus on preventing offences rather than merely responding after their commission.
Hearing the suo motu proceedings concerning recent incidents of rape in Delhi-NCR, a Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that deficiencies in the existing system should not facilitate the commission of crimes against women.
The Court identified the need to make women feel safe in Delhi, particularly in vulnerable pockets, including during late evening and night hours. It directed the police to identify vulnerable areas and undertake regular surveys of localities, with particular attention to schools, colleges, North Campus, South Campus, parks and other vulnerable public spaces.
The Bench emphasised stronger police-community engagement and directed officers to improve direct interaction with residents so that local communities can approach the police and report anti-social elements and other safety concerns.
The Court said its directions would operate on two levels: systemic measures and immediate measures. It stressed that existing guidelines, circulars, sensitisation programmes and anti-teasing squad protocols must translate into actual implementation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The Bench called for intensified day-and-night patrolling in vulnerable pockets and directed authorities to examine police deployment, beat patrolling and police control-room van halting points.
The Court also sought detailed information regarding parks, including their size and location, the availability and functionality of CCTV cameras, lighting and security arrangements. It questioned the effectiveness of CCTV infrastructure in the absence of continuous monitoring and suggested a war-room mechanism for monitoring vulnerable pockets and facilitating a prompt police response.
Referring to the recent incident in the Astha Kunj area, the Court sought details regarding the number of CCTV cameras and lights installed there and whether security personnel were deployed. It also stressed that adequate lighting in parks and other public places must be prioritised.
The Bench directed the police to strengthen surveillance of sexual offenders through the National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO) and examine technological mechanisms for greater accountability in vulnerable public spaces. The amicus curiae, Senior Advocate Liz Mathew, suggested the use of QR-code based surveillance, through which beat officers could record their visits to designated locations during patrols.
The Court also took note of a CAG audit indicating a 39% shortage of police personnel for active duties, including beat patrolling and investigation, and said the manpower shortage also needed to be addressed.
Referring to the 2012 Delhi gangrape, the Court highlighted the need for preventive policing around establishments and locations that could contribute to the commission of offences. It stressed the need for effective deterrence against persons prone to committing sexual offences.
The Bench directed the police to act on the immediate measures at the earliest and file a status report at the next hearing setting out the steps already taken as well as further measures proposed.
The Court further directed police officers to study its earlier order and commence implementation immediately, with the objective of ensuring that another serious crime does not occur while the suo motu proceedings remain pending.