'Display Women Helpline Number In Public Transport' : Calcutta HC Issues Directions To Ensure Women Safety, Recommends Sensitisation Programmes In Schools

The Calcutta High Court recently issued a host of directions to ensure the safety and security of women and transgender persons travelling in public transport buses. The plea moved before the Court contended that women are frequently harassed and sometimes sexually assaulted while travelling in such public buses and thus sought directions from the Court in this regard.

An intervening plea had also been moved by Ankani Biswas, a practicing Advocate who is a transgender. She had contended that she had also been misbehaved while availing public transport.

A Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Arijit Banerjee took into consideration the grievances raised and accordingly issued the following directions to the State,

"Issue appropriate directions to all the transporters in the State of West Bengal to display the women helpline number inside and outside the buses/ public transport vehicles so as to enable any of the sufferer to lodge the complaint on the helpline, so provided. This number should also be displayed at prominent places on different bus-stands and busstops"

The Court further recommended to the State to ensure that a separate helpline number is implemented for transgenders or a modification is done in the existing system that shall permit transgender persons to access the existing women helpline.

A recommendation of displaying the State Legal Services Authority helpline number in public transport buses was also made by the Bench so as to ensure that victims are able to take recourse to legal aid if required.

The Court further observed that sensitisation programmes must be conducted in schools in order to prevent the occurrence of such crimes.

"We need to take certain steps for prevention thereof. The same can be only if there is change in the mindset of the people. We think there is need to educate the people. For the purpose some suitable plan may be prepared by the State to start the process at the school level in this regard so that we are able to reduce the crime in the society. State Legal Services Authority may also examine this aspect of the matter", the Court added.

When the matter came up before the Court on Thursday, the Court took on record the research conducted by the petitioner containing various guidelines and instructions pertaining to the safety of women and transgender persons. Accordingly, the Court directed the State government as well as the Union to take note of the recommendations and accordingly ensure compliance.

The matter is slated to be heard next on September 1.

Case Title: Renu Pradhan v. The State of West Bengal and Ors.

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