'Death penalty for rapists not the final solution'

Holding that death penalty to rapists was not the "final solution", former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari on Friday said sensitising people about sexual abuse and violence was essential to curb such heinous crimes rather than making "strong" demands

Holding that death penalty to rapists was not the "final solution", former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari on Friday said sensitising people about sexual abuse and violence was essential to curb such heinous crimes rather than making "strong" demands.

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"Normally this (demand for death penalty to rape accused) is in anguish. Anger of the people makes them speak of death penalty. It is an immediate reaction and such reactions are very strong," the (Retd) Justice said.

"Death penalty is not the final solution. The solution is to spread more awareness among people about the whole problem. What happened in Delhi is also happening in Mumbai," he felt.

Dharmadhikari said that in the rule of law, respect for law is more important than fear of punishment. "I am surprised that inspite the presence of several
persons (mechanisms) such incidents are taking place," he said.

Voicing concern over safety of girls in the metropolis, he said, "My pain is not for myself. I am not even concerned for my children. I am worried for my grand-daughters and great grand-daughters."