Impunity prevails

A fundamental promise of any just society is the protection of its most vulnerable citizens. For women and children, who too often bear the brunt of violence, abuse and harassment, this promise is paramount. Yet, recent alarming figures from Punjab, the biggest province of the country, reveal that the rampant culture of impunity is undermining efforts to safeguard these precious lives.

Out of over 60,000 cases registered in the province in the current year concerning crimes against women and children, a mere 924 suspects have faced punishment, while a staggering 2,388 have walked free. This dramatic disparity, where the acquittals more than double the convictions, casts a long shadow over the efficacy of our justice system.

The sheer scale of this failure is distressing. To register tens of thousands of complaints, only to see a minuscule fraction result in accountability, reflects a systemic breakdown. The data starkly indicates that the primary culprit behind this crisis of impunity is often the very institution tasked with upholding the law — the police.

Official reports frequently attribute the pathetically low conviction rates to "gross negligence" on the part of law enforcement. This includes faulty investigations and a critical lack of evidence. The human cost of this negligence is immeasurable. For survivors of horrific crimes, particularly rape victims, the journey to justice is already fraught with immense emotional and psychological turmoil.

To then witness their alleged tormentors escape punishment due to procedural failings is nothing short of re-traumatisation. It shatters their faith in the legal system and forces them to relive their trauma without the closure or vindication that justice might offer.

Addressing this crisis demands an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of investigative and prosecutorial practices. A special committee should be set up to expedite and review cases, and mete out strict punishment as a necessary deterrent.