Social media platforms are buzzing with comments seeking a stricter punishment for the convict in the Delhi gangrape case set free on Sunday. However, women’s rights activists are divided over whether the convict, arrested as a juvenile in December 2012, should be released.
Some activists feel that the 20-year-old should be given a second chance, but others are raising their voices for stricter punishment. “What happened on December 16, 2012 was very unfortunate, but it is important to note that such juveniles are used by adults. I think the boy should be given another chance to live,” Kavita Krishnan, secretary of All-India Progressive Women’s’ Association, said.
“Law should be implemented. According to the law, a boy below the age of 18 years is not sent to jail. He was kept in observation home for three years. Even the high court said that the law should be implemented,” she added.
Sucheta De, an activist of left-wing students group Aisa, who has been leading a campaign against the juvenile’s release, said, “I appeal to all to consider the facts and to recognise the real issues that confront the struggles for justice in rape cases.
