The Supreme Court Monday declined to review petitions of convicts in Nirbhaya case and upheld death penalty awarded to them in the December 16, 2012 gangrape and murder case. Here is a look at the reactions of women in Bhubaneswar, compiled by Orissa POST:
Sonalika Mohanty, Housewife: Finally some justice happened. Had strict action been taken earlier, such heinous crime would not have occurred. Anyways, I won’t say it’s a victory for women, its just a small start as there are many pending cases and all accused must be hanged to death. “
Sravani Mahapatra, an HR personnel: It’s a great initiative, but very slow. I mean, the verdict came very late. Such beasts should be hanged from Day 1. Anyway, the Law has taken its own course. I sincerely hope, Nirbhaya’s soul get peace.
Subhashree Das, social activist: I welcome the verdict. I hope everyone else is satisfied with it. Don’t give rapist a chance to go scot free. If lifer conviction is awarded, the convict may escape and cause more such sins. So, be brave and hang them. They deserve no mercy. Let the people’s faith get restored in the judiciary.
Chandrani Bhattacharya, a private employee: The confirmation of death penalty in the Nirbhaya case isn’t the news – it was on expected lines. Had the apex court commuted the death sentence into life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds would have been news. Because, Capital punishment has become unconstitutional all over the world!
Dipti Sahoo, a private firm employee: Three convicts in Nirbhaya case are being projected as hailing from poor sections of the society and that it was their first crime and they are not hardened criminals. These arguments are mere eyewash and do not mitigate the crime they had committed. Any lenience granted to such convicts will embolden others to resort to such crimes and then get away without punishment. Even the death penalty, if not handled well, serve as a reference case for all such crimes in future. It is desirable in the interest of justice and law that the death penalty in the case is implemented.
Actress Dipika Tripathy expressed her happiness when she heard that the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for Nirbhaya gangrape-murder convicts. “I wish that the rapists be given toughest punishment instead of just hanging them. They must be tortured severely before being executed. However, I support the decision and appreciate the highest court for upholding the death conviction.”
Soubhagya, who works at a radio station, also welcomed the SC for upholding the death conviction. “We need to set examples that no one can commit such crime against women. It is time, we make up our mind to protect women. Women must be supported from the government and society. Let us raise our voice against crime.”
Inputs : Chaitali, Arindam, Deepchand