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  ‘Women’s right to privacy infringed by voyeurism’

‘Women’s right to privacy infringed by voyeurism’

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : Apr 9, 2016, 12:53 am IST
Updated : Apr 9, 2016, 12:53 am IST

A Delhi court has awarded one-year jail term to a 19-year-old youth and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on him for molesting a girl.

A Delhi court has awarded one-year jail term to a 19-year-old youth and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on him for molesting a girl. While awarding him jail term, the court made an observation saying voyeurism is a ridiculous form of enjoyment for men but a mental torture for women. “Men who indulge in such enjoyment do not seem to realise that they are infringing on fundamental right to privacy of the woman’s body. Due to such offenders, women do not feel safe inside such places where they would usually expect not to be observed.”

The accused through his counsel had pleaded before the court to take lenient view towards him while sentencing him. The court allowed his move noting that he had admitted his guilt and had apologised.

“He has prayed for leniency saying that he apologised to the complainant and is now showing remorse for his conduct,” it said while also directing him to compensate the victim with Rs 10,000. The convict must be awarded such a sentence, which discourages other like-minded people of the society from such offences against woman. The court has to keep in mind that the purpose of sentence is not only deterrent but also reformative,” it said. The court, however, made stern observations about crimes against women, saying a societal change was required through education and awareness to curb such offences. “There is a need for formulation and implementation of policies by the government to create sensitisation of masses, more so, the youth in schools and colleges towards the need for gender equality and awareness about laws and punishments for offences related to crime against women.”

According to prosecution, on August 23, 2013, the accused peeped inside the toilet which was being used by the victim.

Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi