The 2012 Delhi Gang Rape And Murder Case

Dhwani Gandotra, The Law School, University of Jammu

INTRODUCTION

This case analysis deals with the study of one of the most barbarous case in the history of India, 2012 Delhi Gang Rape and Murder Case, which came as a huge shock for the entire country and world. It raised significant contentions on issues like sexual violence against women, law enforcement and the demerits of the judicial system in India. The incident gathered media attention on a very large scale both nationally as well internationally, subsequently, leading to enormous agitation and protests by the general public against the legal system and the government which had failed to provide sufficient security for women. This case also challenged the, then, prevailing juvenile laws in the country, which ultimately resulted in the amendment of the Juvenile Justice Act. The case is often seen as one of the landmark judgements in the legal history of India which introduced numerous reforms in the rape laws and increased penalty for sexual offences. The case involved rape, fatal assault and murder of a 22-year-old woman named Jyoti Singh who was a physiotherapy intern. This case is also known as the Nirbhaya Case. Nirbhaya, which meant fearless, was a pseudonym used for the rape victim. It also symbolised the resistance of woman against rape all around the world.