Usually, flights are considered the safest mode of travelling. But in recent times several cases of assaults on flights have been reported. Sexual Assault, Urination, Assaulting Cabin Crew, and much more incidents have become common these days.
The statistics of women facing sexual or physical harassment while they are traveling is a big one. More than 85% of women face rape and sexual assault while they are commuting via trains, buses, or flights.
According to a survey, in Mumbai, 2% of female commuters reported harassment to the police, but none were pleased with the resolution. Around 75% of women who commute by train are not aware of the helpline numbers. The cops will arrive at the scene right away to take action if you call the 24-hour helpline for crime against women in Mumbai at 103, reports stated.
Only 12% of the 63% of women who experienced sexual harassment on buses in Pune reported it to the authorities.
This was reported by the World Bank in its research report of 2022. "Evidence from Indian cities shows that, while the prevalence of sexual harassment on public transport and in public spaces is high, reporting and subsequent actions taken for redressal are perceived to be low," according to the research.
Recently, on a Delhi-Mumbai Indigo Airlines flight, a 47-year-old professor sexually assaulted a 24-year-old doctor. He has been arrested, police confirmed. The accused has been identified as Rohit Shrivastav. Under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code, Shrivastav has been booked by police.
Section 354, Section 354A, and Section 375 under Indian Penal Code (IPC) are implemented on the accused for Sexual Assault and Rape Cases.
However, rape, sexual assault, and gender violence laws in India are failing to act as deterrents, stated Delhi Commission of Women Chief, Swati Maliwal.
Under Section 354 and Section 354A, sexual harassment is defined as assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, a demand or request for sexual favors, showing her pornographic content against her will, and making sexual or objective remarks on their appearances. Under these cases, the accused is charged with rigorous imprisonment for a term that may extend to 3 years, a fine, or both.
Section 375 of the IPC deals with rape charges. The following are defined as rape under this section:
Penetration of a man's penis into the mouth, vagina, urethra, or anus, or compelling a woman to do so with him or another person; or
Anything other than the penis being inserted into a woman's vagina, urethra, or anus, or compelling her to do so with him or another person; or
Applying his mouth to a woman's vagina, urethra, or anus or compelling her to do so with him or someone else.
Manipulating any part of the woman's body to allow penetration into her vagina, urethra, anus, or any other body part.
Under section 375 of IPC, depending on the case, the accused is charged from 7 years imprisonment to life imprisonment and a fine.
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