The government’s latest move to deploy plainclothes police women in busses to nab so-called elements indulging in sexual harassment of women has met with opposition with a legal and Constitutional expert branding the new crackdown as a violation of human rights of men who are at the receiving end.
While most women welcomed the move, many men claim the absence of a proper public transport system makes them eventually the wrongdoers as trains and busses don’t provide any comfort even for men especially during rush hours when public transport is packed to capacity.
“Before laws or crackdowns can be enforced or implemented there must a system in place. When a bus or train comes to halt or station there is a hectic rush for get in and in the process many things can happen inside a tin of sardines and to arrest someone in this situation is a violation of his fundamental rights,” said Prathiba Mahanamahewa a leading and prominent Professor of law.
He said there was no such thing called a Passenger Charter in the country for anyone arrested for sexual harassment in crowded public transport to seek legal redress.
“Even cattle and goats during transportation are entitled to space and their custodians or transporters face prosecution, but when it comes to human transportation it is not the case and the Public Transport Commission which is authorized to ensure that only seating capacity is adhered to is inactive,”, said Professor Mahanamahewa.
At least 20 men have been arrested so far for what the police claim is connected to sexual harassment of women in busses.
