The Supreme Court has issued a series of directions to strengthen preventive policing, public transport security and surveillance across Delhi-NCR to ensure the safety of women.
A Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the directions in the ongoing suo motu proceedings in recent rape incidents in Delhi NCR, initiated following a series of rape incidents, including the alleged rape of a teenager at a public park.
The Court stressed that public safety cannot depend solely on police response after a crime has occurred and underscored the need for continuous ground-level visibility.
The Court noted in its October 5 order that ensuring public safety requires more than just responding to crimes after they happen; it demands proactive prevention.
The Court directed strict verification of drivers and assistants employed by government and private buses, app-based aggregators including Ola, Uber and Rapido, and private cabs and autos. Their verified names and photographs must be displayed inside vehicles, while uniforms and safeguards against unauthorised sub-letting are to be ensured. Non-compliance may lead to vehicle seizure and suspension of drivers.
The Delhi Police Commissioner and Chief Secretary have been directed to place on record details of dedicated control-room command centres or “war rooms”, including their coverage and real-time response mechanisms.
Authorities must also disclose protocols for responding to SOS alerts, designated response units and turnaround times. The Court directed an evaluation of Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) devices in public transport in light of its earlier ruling.
The bench ordered removal of illegally parked heavy vehicles creating blind spots and action against unauthorised liquor outlets and eateries. Police were also directed to disperse loitering crowds near such establishments.
Regular citizen-engagement meetings have been mandated, particularly in areas with paying-guest accommodations and educational institutions housing young women.
The Court further directed that preventive policing be incorporated into police induction and refresher training through the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), with clear territorial accountability.
The Delhi Police Commissioner has also been asked to submit weekly reports on the functioning of “Shishtachar Squads”, along with the status of “Operation Nirbheek” and the “Nazuk Scheme”.
Invoking the “Broken Windows” theory, the Bench observed that unattended signs of civic neglect, such as broken streetlights, non-functional CCTV cameras and unmonitored dark stretches, could create a perception of diminished vigilance and encourage criminal activity.
At the same time, the Court cautioned that preventive policing must remain within the bounds of legality and proportionality.
Chief Secretary of Delhi and the Delhi Police Commissioner have been made the sole deponents for affidavits on compliance and warned that they would be personally answerable for failure to implement the directions seriously.
Senior Advocate Liz Mathew, appearing as amicus curiae, highlighted the need for enhanced beat patrolling and referred to a 2020 CAG report indicating a 39% vacancy in active police station and beat patrol duties across Delhi.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave informed the Court that consultations among the Delhi Police, DDA, MCD, NDMC and Women and Child Development Ministry had commenced.
The matter will next be heard on November 16.
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