In a recent and deeply concerning incident in Dahod district, Gujarat, a 35-year-old tribal woman was subjected to a brutal assault by her in-laws and a mob. Accused of engaging in an extramarital affair, she was forcibly taken from a man's house, partially disrobed, paraded through her village with her hands bound by chains, and subsequently tied to a motorcycle and dragged along the main road before being confined to a house.
The Gujarat High Court, upon learning of this atrocity, took suo motu cognizance, expressing profound anguish over both the incident and the unrestrained dissemination of videos depicting the assault on social media platforms. A division bench comprising Justices A.S. Supehia and Gita Gopi highlighted the extensive ramifications such incidents have on the social and mental well-being of women across the state, especially given the pervasive reach of social media.
In response to the court's intervention, the Dahod district police initiated measures to rehabilitate the victim. Under the 'Suraksha Setu' program, they facilitated the establishment of a fruit and vegetable shop for her in her maternal village in Fatepura taluka. The police department secured an 11-month lease for the shop, covered the rent, and provided initial stock for one month. To ensure her safety, the shop was equipped with CCTV, and the SHE team was assigned to monitor the footage.
During the court proceedings, the bench underscored the paramount importance of the victim's rehabilitation and restorative care. The justices emphasized that her reintegration into society should not be as a victim but as a normal individual, highlighting the necessity for legal support to empower her independence. The court indicated its intention to issue an order addressing these concerns, as well as broader systemic issues related to such incidents.
The court also addressed the alarming issue of the unchecked circulation of distressing videos on social media. It lamented the lack of restraint or oversight, noting that such dissemination serves as fodder for those who derive perverse pleasure from the suffering of others. The bench sought reports from the Home Department, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, and the Dahod District Superintendent of Police on the actions taken to curb such incidents and prevent the spread of such content online.
In their affidavits, state authorities detailed the steps taken in response to the incident and outlined future measures to prevent similar occurrences. These included the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for SHE teams, data reports from December 2024, and initiatives under the 'Suraksha Setu' society aimed at victim rehabilitation. The affidavits also referenced the Gujarat Victims Compensation Scheme 2019 and efforts to monitor and control the circulation of such videos on social media platforms.
This incident has shed light on the broader issues faced by tribal communities in Gujarat, particularly concerning healthcare and infrastructure. In a related matter, the Gujarat High Court had previously addressed inadequate healthcare and infrastructure in tribal regions of Chhotaudepur. The court acknowledged the state's efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and road connectivity in these remote areas, emphasizing the need for continuous implementation and enhancement of such initiatives.
The court's proactive stance in both cases underscores the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. By emphasizing rehabilitation, restorative care, and systemic improvements, the Gujarat High Court aims to ensure that victims are not only protected but also empowered to lead independent and dignified lives.
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