SUPREME COURT DEMANDS ROUND-THE-CLOCK SAFETY FOR WOMEN, QUESTIONS CENTRE AND DELHI POLICE

October 5, 2026

NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court has strongly questioned the Centre and Delhi Police over recent rape incidents in the national capital, stressing that women must be able to move freely and safely at any hour of the day or night.

The court emphasised that the responsibility of ensuring women's safety cannot be restricted to particular hours. It made clear that a woman should be able to travel or work late at night without being exposed to fear or insecurity.

The observations came during proceedings concerning recent incidents of sexual violence, with the court expressing concern over the effectiveness of existing arrangements for protecting women in Delhi.

The bench questioned the authorities on the measures being taken to prevent such crimes and sought greater accountability from the agencies responsible for maintaining law and order. The discussion placed particular focus on the need for effective policing and preventive mechanisms rather than action only after crimes occur.

The court's remarks also underline the wider issue of women's freedom in public spaces. Safety concerns can have a direct impact on women's ability to work, study, travel and participate fully in social and economic life.

The observations are likely to put renewed pressure on the Centre and Delhi Police to strengthen security measures and improve their response to crimes against women. The court's intervention has once again highlighted the principle that women's right to safety must apply throughout the day, without exceptions based on time or location.