The Capital Punishment for Rape? Yes or No...

             Capital punishment for rape? Is an article written by Dr. George Therikattil in “Light of Truth”, as an answer to the question asked by Jacob Chacko, in ‘Faith Matters?’ The question is about, shooting down, hanging or castrating them the appropriate punishment?    According to Dr. George, Capital Punishment is not a solution for any crime. He pointed out the fact that the State has not given the power to take life: He also expressed the fear that many of the sexual abuses are done by the family members or close relatives or neighbors. If it so, when the punishment is severe the victim or the family may refuse to file a case against their dear ones. It is a sad thing to know that how in India there is evil persisting in the doors of a family.  For Dr. George all sex offenders are not on the same nature or not under the same category. It may be due to alcoholic, stress, drugs, or other sexual factors. And he also looks at rape as a symptom of a “disease.” At this serious and sorry contexts of nations and societies, basically need a massive transformation of mind and nation consciousness; since rape projects evil is manifestation of men over vulnerable women. She has the right to study, right to work and to live with dignity. It needs a change of mind set which comes from within. Police and judiciary must work together to bring this awareness largely in both rural and urban societies. To prevent the violence against women a collective movement is needed to change sexist attitudes among politicians, media, educating children etc. Women must learn to speak out and men must support when she speaks.  

         It doesn’t encourage capital punishment for the convicted individual. But at this sad reality, we need ask the question, why do men behave so inhuman? Well no doubt poverty is a problem, unemployment is a problem and corruption is a problem. Yes all these petty problems can easily be eradicated, if only we (men the educated) behave like educated people. If so aspirations come enthusiastically and then be sure there will not be time to waste our energies and passion like this.  
 
Thanks to Sr Maria Jees, SD 
Source: Dr. George Therukattil, “Capital Punishment for Rape,” Light of Truth of Sathayadeepam, Vol. 4, Jan, 2013, 11-15.     

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