Hidden cameras in changing rooms? Cancel shop’s licence: HC to Maharashtra

In a bid to ensure safety of women, the Bombay high court (HC) on Tuesday told the Maharashtra government to take stringent action such as cancelling licences of shops if hidden cameras are found in their changing rooms.

In a bid to ensure safety of women, the Bombay high court (HC) on Tuesday told the Maharashtra government to take stringent action such as cancelling licences of shops if hidden cameras are found in their changing rooms.

A division bench of justice Naresh Patil and justice SB Shukre was hearing a suo motu petition, along with a public interest litigation filed by NGO Help Mumbai Foundation, raising concern over the safety of women commuting on suburban trains in the city. The court inquired about various issues pertaining to women’s safety such as the presence of women security personnel in women’s coaches on suburban trains and if they were sensitised to deal with complaints filed by women.

Lawyer Maharukh Adenwala said there was a need to address cases of violence against women and suggested the formation of a nodal committee with academicians and members of the government to address women’s complaints.

In the previous hearing, the court had asked the state if it had taken a policy decision on keeping restaurants and pubs open 24x7. The state had to file a reply on whether it plans a policy to reimburse private hospitals treating rape survivors.

Public prosecutor PP Kakade said the state has not taken any decision on a policy for nightlife. The draft resolution on reimbursement has been made and will be sent to the state for approval. The court has asked the state and railways to file a reply within two weeks on the progress it has made towards the implementation of the recommendations of (retd) justice CS Dharmadhikari committee.