Women’s groups cry foul

The light sentence to Rathore has angered women’s organisations. “We are not happy that Rathore got just six months and it took so long. NCW expresses deep anguish,” Girija Vyas, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), said.
NCW is contemplating filing a civil suit seeking damages for Ruchika’s family and has asked the Haryana government to appeal against the verdict.

“The case highlights the serious infirmities in our justice delivery system and sexual assault law relating to minors. Ruchika was molested by then IG of police, SPS Rathore, 19 years ago. When she lodged a complaint, Ruchika and friend Aradhana and their families were intimidated. It has been reported that she committed suicide as she couldn’t bear the trauma,” senior lawyer Kirti Singh said.

Women’s groups have demanded harsher punishment for molestation. “The law shoulddifferentiate between a major and a minor. Molestation and other assault of minors should be seen as more serious offences and harsher sentences should be given,” Sudha Sundaram of All-India Democratic Women Association said.