Supreme Court Orders Delhi Police to Audit Lighting, CCTV After Recent Rapes
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Judicial activism and Article 21: a GS3 and Ethics case study on public safety and fundamental rights.
Why in news
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of sexual assault incidents in Delhi-NCR and directed the Delhi Police to audit lighting and CCTV coverage within four weeks.
Background
The Supreme Court ordered the Delhi Police to identify vulnerable areas and step up patrolling following rape cases at Astha Kunj park and Swaroop Nagar. The court mandated vulnerability mapping and the establishment of fast-track courts for sexual offences.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceAstha Kunj park and Swaroop Nagar are locations in Delhi-NCR where recent sexual assault incidents occurred.
- ConstitutionArticle 21 of the Constitution ensures the right to dignity and security.
- FactThe Delhi Police were given a four-week deadline to audit lighting and CCTV coverage.
Prelims practice question
Which constitutional article ensures the right to dignity and security as highlighted in the court's direction?
- (a)Article 19
- (b)Article 14
- (c)Article 25
- (d)Article 21
Show answer
Answer: (d) Article 21 — The note mentions Article 21 of the Constitution ensures the right to dignity and security.
For Mains
Q. Examine the role of judicial activism in ensuring public safety and the protection of fundamental rights against crimes against women in urban areas.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Infrastructure gap: Inadequate street lighting and CCTV coverage in public parks creating safety blind spots
- Judicial oversight: Suo motu intervention as a mechanism to compel executive action on public safety
- Legal efficiency: Need for fast-track courts to ensure timely justice for sexual offence victims
Keywords: Suo motu cognizance · Article 21 · Vulnerability mapping · Public safety · Judicial activism
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.