How many cases of crimes against women were reported from 2020 to 2022?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 1.2 million cases of crimes against women reported from 2020 to 2022.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The nation reported a staggering 1,245,037 incidents of crimes against women from 2020 to 2022, as disclosed by the government in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Union government informed the Lok Sabha that India possesses a robust, survivor-focused, and time-sensitive legislative structure to combat crimes against women.
In response to a query from Trinamool Congress MP June Maliah regarding the escalation of sexual violence, particularly in tribal and rural areas like Junglemahal in West Bengal, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar acknowledged in writing that reported offenses against women have surged in recent years.
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals that 371,503 cases of crimes against women were documented in 2020, climbing to 428,278 in 2021 and reaching 445,256 in 2022.
The minister attributed this increase to heightened awareness of women’s rights, better access to police services, gender-sensitive training for law enforcement personnel, and stringent measures against misconduct, all leading to improved reporting.
He emphasized that ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are under the State List of the Constitution, meaning that the primary responsibility for law and order lies with the States and Union Territories.
However, the Central government aids them with updates to criminal laws, funding, training, technological support, and guidance.
He highlighted the reforms introduced in the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which facilitate easier online reporting, the provision of Zero FIR, exemptions for women and vulnerable groups from visiting police stations, prompt victim compensation, and established timelines for investigations and trials.
The minister pointed out that key phases such as preliminary inquiry (14 days), investigation (90 days), charge framing (60 days), and judgment announcement (45 days) have been optimized for quicker resolutions. Courts are restricted to a maximum of two adjournments in these cases.
Regarding the Aparajita Bill, Kumar mentioned that it has been reviewed by pertinent ministries, and State governments have been requested to submit their feedback and clarifications before any further actions.