Delhi High Court: Women face harassment in public even after decades of Independence, real empowerment begins with right to move freely

The Delhi High Court in the case Anupender Versus State Of NCT Of Delhi observed that even after decades of independence, women face harassment in public spaces and has emphasised that real empowerment begins with the right to live and move freely without fear.

- TDG NETWORK NEW DELHI

The bench headed by Justice Sharma in the case stated that the facts of the present matter reflects a deeply concerning reality—that even after decades of independence, women continue to face harassment in public spaces, including public transport, where they should feel safe and secure. Thus, despite the existence of stringent laws which aimed at protecting women's dignity and personal autonomy, incidents like these highlight the audacity of offenders who dare to commit such acts, believing they can evade consequences.

The court in the case lamented that, 'The facts of the present matter and the acts of the accused reflect that girls are not safe even in public spaces today. The facts of the case also reflect this being a harsh and unsettling reality.'