By Shaurya Mahajan

The Supreme Court has issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda, seeking directions to raise awareness of anti-rape laws in schools and society at large. The Bench responded to the plea, which highlights the need for better communication and dissemination of existing laws to combat the rise in crimes against women.

The petition argues that despite stringent anti-rape laws capable of deterring such crimes, societal attitudes towards women remain a significant barrier. Ponda emphasized that harsh punishments, such as mandatory death sentences, as proposed by some states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, are not the solution. Citing past Supreme Court rulings, the PIL raises concerns about the constitutionality of mandatory death sentences and the potential negative consequences, such as an increase in false accusations.

The petition urges a shift in focus from punitive measures to educational reforms and awareness initiatives. It calls for integrating anti-rape laws into school curricula and providing moral training to challenge prevailing gender biases. It also advocates for public awareness campaigns, including advertisements and seminars, to educate the broader population about laws protecting women and children. The plea further stresses the importance of addressing the underlying causes of gender-based violence and revolutionizing societal attitudes towards women, particularly by instilling respect for the law and gender equality.

[Case: Aabad Harshad Ponda v. Union of India and Ors].