PM Modi Addresses Women’s Safety Amid Kolkata Rape-Murder Outrage:Serious Concerns

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the critical need for swift justice in cases of crimes against women, asserting that expeditious legal proceedings would enhance the safety and assurance of half the population. His comments come in the wake of national outrage over the alleged murder and rape of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and the sexual assault of two kindergarten girls in Thane.

Addressing the inaugural session of a national conference of district judiciary on Saturday, Modi emphasized that “atrocities against women and the safety of children are serious societal concerns.” He stated, “The faster justice is delivered in cases of atrocities against women, the greater assurance half of the population will have about their safety.”

Modi's remarks follow a recent appeal from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who on Friday urged for stringent central legislation and severe punishment for heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

The Prime Minister outlined the progress made in judicial infrastructure, noting that over the past decade, approximately ₹8,000 crore has been invested in its development. “Interestingly, 75% of the total amount spent on judicial infrastructure in the last 25 years has been invested in just the last 10 years alone,” Modi added.

Highlighting the advancements in the Indian legal system, Modi spoke about the new Indian Judicial Code, which embodies the principles of "Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First." He asserted that contemporary criminal laws are free from colonial-era biases.

Modi commended the judiciary as a “guardian of the Constitution,” acknowledging the Supreme Court and the broader judicial system for their role in upholding fundamental rights. Reflecting on the Emergency period, Modi described it as a "dark" time but praised the judiciary for its crucial role in safeguarding constitutional rights during that era.

The Prime Minister also affirmed that the judiciary has consistently protected national integrity and prioritized national interests in matters of national security, reinforcing public trust in the legal system.