Senior Advocate Shalin Mehta, who is assisting the Court in this matter, said the State must be ordered to make women constables part of the patrolling teams, especially during night so that safety of women is not compromised.
“The instant incident is scary. Imagine what might happen with a woman travelling alone or with children,” Mehta submitted.
To this, the Chief Justice responded,
“Indeed. Anything could have had happened. One constable was sitting in the car the other went to the ATM.”
The State counsel Luvkumar-Shah, however, submitted that women constables are already patrolling in the night hours. All the same, she added that she would cross check and get back with instructions on this aspect in the next hearing.
“But then you will also have to ensure safety of your women constables,” Chief Justice Agarwal added addressing the State counsel.
The bench further pointed out that the festive season is around the corner and that that the State will be under more pressure now to ensure women’s safety.
Luvkumar-Shah was quick to assure the Court that there was not need to worry in the matter.
“Milords, Gujarat is one of the safest place. We have everybody on the streets late night. But of course, what is needed to be done will be done,” the State counsel said.
Source: Barandbench
