GD Topic - Crime Against Women in India: Who Bears the Responsibility?

Group Discussion plays a major role in the MBA Admissions. Candidates planning to take MBA entrance exams must prepare for the GD round too. Check out the article below for a discussion on Crime Against Women in India.

Group Discussion is a major part of the MBA Admission Process, as it serves as a platform to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, analytical thinking, leadership abilities, and teamwork. The group is given a topic, usually on current affairs, business trends, or abstract concepts, and they are asked to state their views on the same. Aspirants are then tested on their ability to interpret thoughts while maintaining decorum.

MBA is one of the most chosen post-graduation courses among commerce as well as science students. To get admitted to the course, students have to appear for one of the entrance exams including CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAH MBA CET. Once the entrance exam is over, candidates have to take part in the GD and Personal Interview (PI) round to gain admission to a prestigious B-School.

To do well in the Group Discussion, candidates must ensure good body language, and confidence, and maintain calmness during the discussion. Being aware of the topic and speaking good English is not the only requirement for a GD. A candidate must not interrupt other members while they are putting forward their viewpoints. Following proper etiquette is a must.

Check Out: Best MBA Colleges in India

Women’s Safety: A Growing Concern

There is a saying, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its women.” These words resonate deeply, particularly as India confronts a persistent rise in crimes against women. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022, a total of 4,45,256 cases of crime against women were recorded, which is 4% more than the previous year’s cases. It shows 51 incidents happen every hour in India, among which husband/relative cruelty, kidnappings, and assaults to outrage modesty were the most common offenses.

According to NCRB, Rape, one of the most heinous crimes, accounted for around 31,000 cases. Even though various legal reforms were made after watching public outrage over various high-profile cases like 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi and the 2019 Hyderabad veterinarian’s murder, the persistence of such crimes shows a significant gap between the laws and their implementation. The recent Kolkata case shocked the nation, where a doctor was brutally raped and murdered in a public hospital. These cases display the vulnerability faced by women not only in public places but also in places that are considered secure and professional.

To truly ensure safety for women, we need more than just laws on paper—we need active enforcement, unwavering accountability, and a deep commitment to address the societal and cultural roots of gender-based violence. It's about creating an environment where women can live without fear, supported by a justice system that acts swiftly and effectively. Until we prioritize these efforts, the goal of a safe and equitable world for women will remain a challenge we must work harder to overcome.

Statistics on Crime Against Women

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released the annual crime report of 2022 on December 3, 2023. Find the statistics for Crime Against Women dated 2020-2022 in the below table as declared by NCRB on its official website ncrb.gov.in:

The 2022 annual crime against women report by NCRB reveals a continuous rise in crimes across India. A total of 4,45,256 cases were registered in the year 2022, which is equal to 66.4% crime rate per lakh population. The crime trend shows a vast increase from 3,71,503 cases in 2020 to 4,28,278 cases in 2021, to the current figure of 4,45,256.

State/UT-Wise Crime Against Women

Among states, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of crimes against women with 65,743 cases, followed by Rajasthan (45,058 cases) and Maharashtra (45,331 cases). In terms of the crime rate per lakh population, Delhi tops the Union Territories (UTs) with a crime rate of 144.4 per lakh population. Meanwhile, states like Mizoram and Nagaland report some of the lowest figures.

Besides these humungous crime rate figures, another matter that saddens us is the 25% conviction rate. The conviction rate is a measure of the percentage of criminal cases in which the accused is found guilty, relative to the total number of cases where a final judgment is delivered. It reflects the efficiency of the judicial system in securing convictions based on evidence and the strength of investigations.

Brutal Crimes Faced by Women

Women in India face a wide range of brutal crimes that violate their fundamental rights to safety, dignity, and freedom. These heinous crimes not only cause physical harm to them but also inflict deep emotional trauma, affecting their mental health and social status. Find below some of the most brutal crimes faced by women in India:

1. Rape and Sexual Assault: Rape is one of the most heinous crimes faced by women and is a persistent issue in India. 7.1% of the total cases for crime against women are for rape. Women of all ages and backgrounds are vulnerable to sexual violence. Often, their friends, family, or colleagues commit this crime, making it more difficult for them to seek justice.
   
2. Acid Attacks: Acid attack is another horrifying form of violence, where the assaulter throws acid on the victim, causing severe burns, disfigurement, and permanent disabilities. Most of the time, these attackers are men who the victim rejects (for a romantic or personal relationship).
3. Dowry-Related Violence and Bride Burning: Dowry Violence is a prevalent issue, where women face torture, abuse, and even death due to lack of meeting dowry demands. According to the government report, thousands of women die each year because of dowry.
4. Human Trafficking: Another brutal crime affecting women in India is human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or domestic service. In states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, women are often lured by traffickers with promises of better job opportunities.
5. Female Feticide and Infanticide: Female Feticide means aborting the female fetus. This issue is widely spread in India as people still prefer male children. However, Female Infanticide is killing newborn girls. This crime is practiced in many rural and impoverished areas of India.
6. Honor Killings: Honor Killing is usually committed by the family members, including father, brother, or uncle on women, according to them whose actions (often related to marriage, love, or relationships) are considered dishonorable.
7. Stalking and Cyberstalking: Stalking means getting unwanted & obsessive attention from a person, often leading to threats, harassment, and physical harm. Besides, with the rise in digital technology, cyberstalking has become common. Perpetrators often use social media, messaging platforms, or even surveillance technology to harass and intimidate their victims.
8. Domestic Violence: It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse within intimate partner relationships. It is a form of control and manipulation where women usually suffer in silence due to financial independence, lack of resources, or fear.
9. Forced Marriages and Marital Rape: Another form of brutal crime is forcing women to marry someone they don’t want to get married with. Many times, women face physical and sexual abuse in such marriages. On the other side, Marital Rape is a crime when a husband or intimate partner rapes their wife or partner. Even though it is illegal in many countries, marital rape is not yet criminalized in India, which is a matter of huge concern. According to Indian Law, rape by a husband is not considered a crime unless the wife is separated or below 15 years of age.

Reasons Behind the Lack of Women’s Safety in India

Despite various laws and initiatives aimed at improving women's safety, multiple deep-rooted factors contribute to the persistent vulnerabilities that women face in India. These factors go beyond individual actions and are deeply rooted in the broader societal, cultural, and institutional structure.

1. Deep-Seated Patriarchy and Gender Inequality: One of the primary reasons for the lack of women’s safety in India is the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset that dominates many aspects of society. People with this mindset, see women as subordinate to men and justify gender-based harassment, violence, and exploitation. In many places, people still see women as second-class citizens and overlook or disregard their basic rights.

For example, the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi not only exposed the brutality faced by women but also highlighted the social mindset that undermines women's autonomy. Some members of the public and even media outlets attempted to blame the victim, questioning her clothing and behavior, further reinforcing patriarchal ideas that hold women responsible for their victimization.

2. Inadequate Law Enforcement and Slow Judicial Processes: Another major factor contributing to issues in women’s safety is the ineffective implementation of laws. Even though strong legal frameworks have formed, such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013) and post-Nirbhaya amendments, the judicial system of India is slow and overburdened making it impossible for women to feel safe.

Cases like the Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case in 2024, where a female doctor was attacked within a hospital, make it evident how women are not safe even in secure and professional environments. Such cases indicate that, despite stringent laws, enforcement often falls short, with slow investigations and lengthy trials, which discourage many women from coming forward to report crimes.

3. Cultural and Social Stigma: Cultural norms and social stigma play a crucial role in preventing women from reporting crimes. Most of the time, victims of harassment or sexual violence are blamed for “bringing shame” to their families or society. Besides, in conservative communities, the victim’s honor is questioned by people around them, inflicting fear among them, and resulting in reluctance to report crimes.

For example, in rural areas, women who are victims of rape or domestic violence are often shunned from their communities, which discourages them from seeking help. The #MeToo movement, while a significant step forward, revealed how women in the workplace, including well-known personalities, were subjected to harassment but felt powerless to speak out due to fear of reputational damage or job loss.

4. Underreporting of Crimes and Fear of Reprisal: The fear of retaliation and lack of trust in the law often prevent women from reporting crimes. Many victims feel that their complaints will not be taken seriously by law enforcement agencies or the legal system will fail to provide them justice.

For example, in Hyderabad veterinarian 2019 case, four men abducted and raped a woman. After that, they brutally murdered her and set her body on fire under a construction bridge. This case prompted nationwide protests and demands for faster justice. The delay in taking action in such cases, and fear of delayed justice, leads to many victims refraining from coming forward.

5. Lack of Education and Awareness: Another major reason behind the lack of women’s safety is ignorance of gender-sensitive education and awareness among people. Schools, colleges, and workplaces often lack adequate programs that promote respect for women and teach boys and men about consent, boundaries, and gender equality. Without changing the mindset of future generations, it is impossible to reduce crimes against women.

For example, incidents of eve-teasing, harassment, and assault continue to prevail in many urban areas due to a lack of effective mandatory programs. Educational programs that emphasize the importance of respecting women and challenging toxic masculinity are still not widespread, contributing to the continued occurrence of such crimes.

6. Economic Dependence and Lack of Empowerment: Many women, especially in rural areas, remain economically dependent on their male partners, limiting their ability to escape abusive relationships or seek justice. Besides economic dependence, societal pressure also keeps women entangled in dangerous situations.

In some cases, women in urban areas also face financial challenges that prevent them from accessing legal help or securing housing after an assault. This was evident in the Hyderabad gang rape case, where the victim’s lack of economic resources made it difficult for her to protect herself from the perpetrators.

7. Inadequate Infrastructure for Women’s Safety: Many regions of India lack the proper infrastructure for women’s safety. Although urban areas are improving the infrastructure by increasing the presence of women police officers, special helplines, and women-friendly police stations, many semi-urban and rural areas do not have such resources.

In smaller cities, public transportation and lighting in secluded areas are often inadequate, making women vulnerable to attacks. A classic example can be seen in the rise of public transport-related crimes, where women face harassment or assault in buses or trains, especially late at night, because there are no dedicated women-only spaces or sufficient security.

8. Media and Entertainment Industry's Role: The portrayal of women in the media and entertainment industry also contributes to the normalization of gender-based violence. Many films, TV shows, and advertisements portray women as mere objects of desire and treat violence against women very lightly. This distorts public perceptions of acceptable behavior and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Special Laws for Women's Safety in India

India has framed various special laws to ensure women's empowerment, safety, and protection. Each law addresses different forms of discrimination and violence faced by women, both in public and private places. Below is the list of major laws enacted to ensure women’s safety in India:

1. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This Act protects women from domestic violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. Women can seek protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief through this act. It also enables women to file a complaint against the abusive partner or family member.
2. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: According to this law, every workplace must establish a mechanism to redress complaints related to sexual harassment. Employers must set up internal complaints committees and provide a legal framework for women to report sexual harassment at work.
3. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: This Act prohibits giving or receiving dowry during marriage, making it a punishable offense. The basic aim of The Dowry Prohibition Act is to protect women from the violence and abuse associated with dowry demands.
4. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: According to this law, marrying girls under 18 and boys under 21 years of age is illegal. The Act criminalizes child marriage and protects those affected by this.
5. The National Commission for Women Act, 1990: Under this Act, the National Commission for Women (NCW) is established to protect and promote women rights in India. The NCW investigates complaints of violations and abuse against women and recommends measures for their welfare.
6. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971: This Act makes termination of pregnancy legal under specific circumstances, including fetal abnormalities, rape cases, or cases where the woman’s life is at risk.
7. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Although this Act addresses child protection from sexual offenses, it is also relevant to women’s safety, especially in cases where young girls are sexually assaulted.
8. 10. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: This Act prohibits the indecent or offensive portrayal of women in advertisements, publications, or other media. The law aims to prevent the exploitation of women through visual or written material that degrades or objectifies them, thereby ensuring that women are represented respectfully and appropriately in public media.
9. Commission of Sati Act, 1987: The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987 was enacted to prohibit Sati practice, where a widow burns herself on her husband's funeral pyre, either voluntarily or under coercion. The Act criminalizes the act of Sati, as well as the glorification or encouragement of such practices, and defines punishment for those involved, including the family members and religious leaders who promote or abet the act.

Initiatives and Legal Frameworks for Women’s Safety

Various initiatives and legal frameworks have been enacted to ensure women’s safety in India. Here are some of the measures taken so far:

1. Fast-Track Courts: The government of India has established over 1,000 fast-track courts across the country to ensure speedy justice in cases related to dowry deaths, sexual offenses, and domestic violence. The basic aim of these courts is to reduce pending cases.
2. Nirbhaya Fund: After the 2012 Nirbhaya case, a Nirbhaya Fund was introduced to finance initiatives enhancing women’s safety. It includes projects such as safe city programs, installing CCTV cameras, panic buttons in public transport, and women’s help desks in police stations.
3. She Teams and Specialized Forces: States like Telangana have started initiatives like She Teams, which conduct undercover operations to identify and arrest offenders in public spaces. This program has significantly reduced harassment in cities like Hyderabad.
4. Economic Empowerment Programs: Programs like Kudumbashree in Kerala empower women by providing economic opportunities and promoting social equality. These initiatives indirectly enhance women’s safety by addressing financial dependence.
5. Legal Reforms and Stringent Laws: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, also known as the Nirbhaya Act, introduced stricter penalties for sexual offenses, including the death penalty. The POSH Act, 2013 (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) ensures safe work environments for women.
6. Cybercrime Cells: Major cities have established dedicated cybercrime cells to address online harassment, exploitation, and stalking. For instance, apps like Himmat Plus, empower women to report incidents quickly.

Future Measures to Reduce Crime Rates Against Women in India: What Can Be Done?

Even though there are many legal frameworks and laws to protect women from crime, the cases are still increasing every year at an alarming rate. Here are some measures that can be taken to reduce crime rates and ensure a safe environment for women in public and private places:

1. Community Awareness and Social Reforms: Large-scale awareness campaigns can be launched to address deep-rooted societal norms and stereotypes. The initiatives taken should challenge misogyny, promote gender equality, and encourage the public to support women’s safety.
2. Strengthening Technology-Driven Solutions: Another way to reduce crime is by increasing surveillance systems, installing panic buttons, and using AI-driven analytics in high-risk areas. Besides, enhanced mobile applications with integrated SOS features, such as real-time tracking, can provide immediate assistance to women in distress.
3. Law Enforcement Reforms: Police officers should get gender-sensitization training to handle cases with empathy. Also, women can feel safe while reporting cases if there are more women officers and dedicated units for crime against women.
4. Educational Initiatives: Schools should add gender-sensitive education in the curriculum to help dismantle mindsets at an early age. Besides, workshops and campaigns in educational institutions can promote respect for women and awareness about legal rights.
5. Stronger Cyber Laws: With the rise of online harassment, there is a pressing need to strengthen laws against cybercrimes. Swift investigation and resolution of cyber harassment cases, along with stringent penalties, are essential to deter offenders.
6. Improved Forensic and Judicial Infrastructure: To improve conviction rates, forensic infrastructure should be enhanced to reduce delays in evidence processing. Along with it, establishing more specialized courts to handle women-centric cases and expanding access to legal aid for the victim can ensure fair justice.
7. Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration between government, NGOs, and private sectors can amplify efforts. Programs for community policing, neighborhood watch initiatives, and corporate participation in workplace safety campaigns can build a safer ecosystem for women.

As discussed in the above GD, the lack of women’s safety in India is a complex issue increasing from a combination of societal attitudes, inadequate law enforcement, underreporting, lack of education, and insufficient infrastructure. To tackle this problem effectively, it is crucial to address the root causes, such as patriarchal mindsets, and strengthen legal frameworks, enforcement, and education. Initiatives like better policing, women’s empowerment programs, and more robust education on gender equality can make a significant difference in ensuring that women feel safe, respected, and valued in society. However, for real progress to occur, it requires a systemic change—one that involves the government, law enforcement, educational institutions, and society as a whole.

Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA GD/PI 

Candidates preparing for the Group Discussion Rounds for admission in MBA at B-schools can check out the below GD topics:

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