Justice maybe delayed, but if the judicial procedure moves in the right direction then it still ignites the hope of millions who have faith in the system. Nearly 17 years after the “death” of 14-year-old Ruchika Girhotra the alleged accused, SPS Rathore’s sentence was increased to an 18-month rigorous imprisonment sentence. And this ruling has brought some solace to youngsters, who had expressed their dismay in the form of candle-light vigils and advocacy groups on Facebook.
The social networking, blogosphere and microblogging sites are abuzz on the verdict and we checked with youngsters what they think. Most support the court’s decision for the fact that the alleged perpetrator is being brought to task and a larger number wish the sentence should have been longer for the alleged crime of “abetting suicide.”
Suman Ghosh, a copywriter, avers, “It wasn’t just alleged molestation, it was more than that. And I think 18 months isn’t less punishment for the crime committed. Ruchika and her entire family suffered cause of his alleged indecent and lecherous behaviour.”
Youngsters believe that a landmark punishment would’ve acted as a warning to other alleged criminals and deterred them from wrong doing.
Rajat Jain, JIMS passout, says, “Neither two nor ten years can do justice to the deceased, but the alleged culprit should be given a death sentence so as to set an example for anyone who dares commit such a horrible crime again.”
Seconds, Vidhi, an IIMC alumnus, and says, “I think the alleged accused should be sentenced for more than one-and-half years because harsher punishment would have set an example for those who are on the wrong side of the law and the protectors of law.”
Another section also vociferously appeals saying that only a life sentence would be adequate for an alleged accused charged with such a crime. Enami, MA student of JNU, “Not just 16 months but he (the alleged) is worthy of 16 years jail or at least a life sentence.” And apart from the vociferous microblogging site too is abuzz with people commenting for the “justiceforruchika” debate. One Joseph Chirayath’s tweet reads, “don’t think the 18 months prison term will wipe the smile off Rathore.”