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Teach boys to take ‘no’ for an answer
Even before the shockwaves created by the gruesome murder of Swathi in a railway station in front of the public by a person who was spurned by her, there have been two more shocking murders, back- to- back. Does it mean that a girl can never say “No” to a proposer? What does the law say about harassment of women in public places?
Chennai
In 1998, Sarika Shah, a second year student of Ethiraj College and her college mate were proceeding to a juice shop near the institution, when a group of persons came in an autorickshaw and teased them. Sarika died tragically and Tamil Nadu enacted TN Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998. As per Section 354-D Indian Penal Code, “ Any man who— (1)follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or (2) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication, commits the offence of stalking”. The punishment for stalking is given as “Whoever commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine”.
The law exists. Will the educational authorities decide to introduce special classes for students to enable them to understand the opposite sex?
— K Chandru is a retired judge of Madras High Court
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