Tribal Woman Disrobed, Paraded In Gujarat: High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Laments Unchecked Circulation Of Video On Social Media

The Gujarat High Court on Monday (February 3) took Suo-Motu notice of news reports on the alleged assault of a tribal woman who was stated to be disrobed, paraded and dragged by a motorcycle in Dahod district.A division bench of Justice A.S. Supehia and Justice Gita Gopi termed the incident as "outrageous" and noted how the circulation of a purported video of the incident on "unfettered" social media has wide ramifications.In doing so, the Court registered the matter as PIL and ordered the State Authorities, including the Home Department, the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and the District Superintendent of Police, Dahod District to submit report on actions taken in the matter. It also asked them to apprise on the issue of lack of restraint or check on social media in such cases.The Court said, "...the outrageous incident which occurred in the village Sanjeli Taluka in Dahod District, a destitute and distressed tribal woman was assaulted, paraded and dragged by a motorcycle. The incident which has happened on 28th January was wildly reported in print and electronic media and the video of the ill-fated incident has been circulated in social media as well. Such kind of incident not only impacts the social and mental wellbeing of a woman across the state but as wide ramification because of unfettered social media. Hence, we take Suo-Motu cognizance of the incident. The Home Department, the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and the District Superintendent of Police, Dahod District are directed to produce the status report of the action already taken and also to apprise this Court of the future course of action to be adopted for curbing such incidents". It also quoted American abolitionist Sahara Mulrimke: “All history attests that man subjected woman to his will used her as a means to promote his selfish gratification, to minister to his sensual pleasures, to be instrumental in promoting his comfort but never has he desired to elevate her to that rank that she was created to fill. He has done all he could do to debase and enslave her mind and now he looks triumphantly on the ruin he has wroth and say the being he has thus deeply injured is his inferior".The court also directed the State authorities to inform regarding the steps taken for "security, psychological and medical care of the destitute victims" in such cases including the woman in the present matter. "It is also heart-wrenching that there is no restraint or check on social media which allows videos of a disrobed victim being circulated which is a feed for the sadist who take pleasure in circulating and enjoying the plight of a helpless and deserted lady. The State Government shall also apprise this Court on this issue also," the court added. The court directed the Registry to register Suo-Motu public interest litigation asking it to "issue notice" to the concerned parties. The matter is now listed on February 12 before the First Court which has the concerned roster.

Tribal Woman Disrobed, Paraded In Gujarat: High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Laments Unchecked Circulation Of Video On Social Media

Lovina B Thakkar

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