A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that women’s complaints related to crime has increased by 140% in the last five years. Data by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) shows pending action on 6,659 complaints in 2017-18, which increased to 16,012 in 2022-23.
The information also discloses a changing pattern in the nature of crimes against women. There has been a 139% increase in workplace harassment of women, with 396 cases in 2017-18 rising to 950 cases in 2022-23. However, there is a positive note as no dowry death complaints have been recorded in the last four years, whereas 35 such complaints were pending in 2017-18.
The data further highlights a substantial increase of 217% in complaints related to social atrocities and rape. The number of pending cases for action in 2017-18 was 1,405, whereas it had more than tripled to 4,462 in 2022-23.
The commission gave no response to the query of Mumbai-based RTI activist Jeetendra Ghadge regarding action against celebrities and public figures who have been given notice by the MSCW for using derogative remarks against women on public platforms or social media.
According to Ghadge from The Young Whistleblowers Foundation, “The info clearly indicates a change in the pattern of crimes against women. However, the Commission withheld info regarding the number of cases in which women have received justice, assistance, or help. It is essential that the women commission focuses on providing justice to the complainants rather than indulging in petty politics as the number of complaints is piling up.”
The increasing number of complaints is a matter of concern and requires the government to take effective measures to curb such crimes against women.
The women commission needs to work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift action and justice for the victims of these crimes.
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