'Larger Issue': Calcutta HC Directs WB Electricity Distribution Company To File Report On Street Lighting Facilities In Villages To Curb Rape Incidents

The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) to file a report in respect of providing street light connections in the streets of villages in West Bengal in order to curb incidents of rape and molestation. 

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj was adjudicating upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pertaining to the recent rape cases in Deganga, Matia, Ingrejbazar and Banshdroni in West Bengal.

The Court had earlier asked IPS officer Damayanti Sen to oversee the probe in the rape cases. The Bench had observed that considering the nature of the incidents and the allegations made, a responsible senior lady police officer should be appointed to supervise the investigation. 

The Bench on Monday took on record a report filed by the WBSEDCL on providing street light connections in the streets of the villages in West Bengal, however the Bench recorded that the report only pertaining to the district of Malda. 

"The report in the form of affidavit by the respondent no.4 has also been placed on record in respect of providing street light connections in the streets of the villages which is stated to be one of the causes for increasing incidents of molestation and rape. The report only relates to Malda", the Court recorded in the order. 

The counsel for WBSEDCL further apprised the Court that street lights are provided in the villages as per the demand made by the local bodies and on payment of the requisite amount by them.

Opining that inadequate street lighting in the villages is a 'larger issue', the Court directed the counsel for WBSEDCL to file a general report in this regard with respect to the entire State. 

"He is directed to file general report covering the entire State because it is a larger issue", the Court ordered. 

The Court also took on record the progress reports filed by the State government with respect to the investigation in the rape cases. Furthermore, the Court was also apprised that a  communication has been sent by the State Authorities to the concerned District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for awarding compensation to the victims/family members of the victims under the Victims Compensation Scheme.

Accordingly, the Court directed the concerned DLSA to process the request for grant of compensation expeditiously and accordingly observed, 

"The concerned DLSAs are expected to process the request for grant of compensation to the victims/ family members of the victims expeditiously in accordance with the scheme, preferably within two weeks"

The matter is slated to be heard next on May 20.

Case Title: Sumitra Bhattacharyya (Neogi) v. The State of West Bengal & Ors

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