Mumbai's Shame: A Year On, Badlapur's Battle for Women's Safety Remains Unwon

A year has passed since a horrific sexual assault shook the quiet town of Badlapur, leaving an indelible scar on its community and raising urgent questions about public safety. Yet, as the calendar turned, the Bombay High Court found itself once again expressing profound "dismay" and "irritation," not just at the memory of the crime, but at the astonishing failure of authorities to implement even basic security measures.

It's a damning indictment of a system that appears to have learned nothing from tragedy.

Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Gauri Godse pulled no punches during a recent hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Ghanshyam Gupte. Their collective frustration was palpable as they lambasted the "abysmal failure" of the state government, local civic bodies, and even railway authorities.

The incident in question, a brutal abduction and sexual assault of a woman in a secluded forest area near Badlapur railway station in September 2023, was a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist in our public spaces.

The court's ire was directed at a litany of unaddressed issues: the glaring absence of proper street lighting, the disturbing lack of functional CCTVs, the scarcity of vigilant security guards, and the unsettling presence of overgrown bushes that provide perfect cover for predators in vulnerable areas.

These aren't minor oversights; they are fundamental breaches of duty that leave citizens, especially women, exposed to grave danger. It's a tragic irony that despite the High Court issuing a series of directives last year to bolster safety, these essential safeguards remain woefully absent.

One year ago, the court had specifically called for comprehensive improvements following the Badlapur incident.

Today, it seems those directives were mere words on paper. The court did note, with some relief, that the victim's compensation had finally been paid, though this too had been delayed, adding another layer to the authorities' perceived indifference. But monetary compensation, while crucial, cannot replace the sense of security that proactive measures could provide.

This isn't an isolated incident confined to Badlapur.

The judges voiced serious concerns that similar perilous conditions prevail near other railway stations and public spaces across Maharashtra. The problem is systemic, demanding a coordinated, multi-pronged approach from all involved agencies – from the state administration to local municipalities and railway boards.

The court's message was clear: excuses are no longer acceptable; tangible action is imperative.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With the next hearing slated for November 6, 2024, the High Court has effectively put all concerned authorities on notice. They are expected to present a robust, comprehensive plan demonstrating not just intent, but concrete steps taken to rectify these dangerous deficiencies.

For the sake of every woman who travels, works, or lives in these areas, the hope is that this time, the powerful words of the judiciary will finally translate into tangible safety on the ground.