Women safety in Jharkhand is once again under legal scrutiny as the Jharkhand High Court pulls up the state government for failing to provide a progress report on court-mandated safety measures. This issue has wide-reaching implications, not just for public safety but also for governance and constitutional rights.
Women Safety in Jharkhand
The Jharkhand High Court has expressed deep displeasure over the state government’s failure to act on its orders concerning women’s and student safety. Key concerns include the non-appointment of women attendants in school buses, lack of CCTV installations, and the failure to submit a compliance report. The court has now given a final deadline of May 6 to submit the report.
This issue stems from earlier judicial directives aimed at improving safety infrastructure in schools and public transportβcrucial zones where women and children are highly vulnerable. Despite these instructions, the government has failed to demonstrate any significant progress, prompting judicial censure.
ποΈ Background & Legal Basis βοΈ
At the heart of this issue is Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life and personal liberty.Β The court emphasised that safety is an inalienable part of this right, and that the state has a non-negotiable duty to ensure secure environments for its citizensβparticularly women and children.
The court has also made reference to previous directions involving:
-
Installation of CCTV cameras in school and public transport vehicles.
-
Deployment of women attendants in school buses.
-
Awareness campaigns about helpline numbers.
These measures aim to provide preventive mechanisms and emergency responses to incidents of harassment or violence.
π§ Governance & Policy Lapses ποΈ
This incident shines a spotlight on administrative delays and policy inaction, which continue to plague critical governance sectors in Jharkhand. The absence of basic safety infrastructure suggests that even judicial interventions are not being taken seriously by the bureaucracy.
Such inaction affects:
-
Parental confidence in school transportation
-
Womenβs participation in education and employment
-
Public trust in governance and law enforcement
β Points to Remember
-
The High Court criticized the Jharkhand government for not submitting a progress report on women and student safety.
-
Earlier court directives included CCTV installation in school buses and appointment of women attendants.
-
The court set May 6 as the final deadline for submission of the compliance report.
-
Womenβs safety is a core component of good governance and civic responsibility.
-
This issue falls under Article 21, highlighting the constitutional importance of state action.
π Why It Matters for Governance
This case underscores how judicial oversight plays a critical role in upholding fundamental rights when administrative systems fail. For aspirants preparing for the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) or other competitive exams, this topic is highly relevant under GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, and Polity).
It also invites a broader question: Should courts need to intervene in basic safety measures, or should proactive governance be the norm?
