Sheeba Singh

Ruchika Girhotra was a young girl who wound up committing suicide as a result of the humiliation and guilt she was faced with after coming forward with her molestation charges against Rathore. After 19 years, the case was brought back into the courts, only to turn out to be a complete joke.

“On December 22, 2009, after 19 years, 40 adjournments and more than 400 hearings, the court finally pronounced Rathore guilty under Section 354 IPC (Indian Penal Code- Molestation) but only sentenced him to 6 months imprisonment and a fine of INR 100.” (Which is less than 20 USD)**

The following paragraph is my initial reaction right after having read about Ruchika Girhotra online, and the rest of the article is what my reaction turned into..

I didnt know about this till now. I just googled it and read up about it online. It is so sad that this girl’s family and friends have had to endure so much harassment for standing up for their rights, and what they know is clearly unacceptable behavior. This Rathore dude should probably be hung upside down from his balls till the blood rushes to his brain and he realizes that he is responsible..

India is just beginning to realize and entertain the need for human rights and compassion. Although, the very obvious monetary (fame) backdrop is still pretty prevalent. Something I have heard a lot in the country is that, there are so many people- who has the time to attach worth and give much attention to one. The sad thing, and very obvious truth (which no one can deny) is that these single cases have added up. A not-too-in-depth evaluation of the numerous women, children and “nobodys” who have had to endure harassment and ridicule without any redemption whatsoever in India is mind numbing.

If you sense any anger on my part, please feel free to do so. But what I am drowning in, is nothing less than pure disgust for people like Rathore- and those who pride themselves in having supported him. His inhumanness is being celebrated through his promotions and acceptances of mere-good-for-nothing bribes. His sentence is just the same. Just spit over your shoulder, and it will be over before you know it. “She is dead anyways, who cares?”

A life may not be worth much to a country like India. There is an abundance of heartbeats. Whats the loss of one more to a real tragedy going to hurt anyone?

Reparations may not be the solution, but they are a step in the right direction. These would be not only in the name of an innocent young girl with hopes and dreams that I cant even fathom. Such a step- beginning with realization and moral understanding- would be an overwhelming sigh to the Ruchika Girhotra’s everywhere.

THIS IS INDIA, SHEEBA! YOU JUST DONT GET IT!!

I know, I know. But it does not mean it is not a possibility. I can not control the legal system, but we play an active role in what we allow the community to O.K. Each of us plays a part in what we lend importance to, and what we accept through- sometimes- even doing nothing.

I really dont know what the solution here is. The life of an innocent girl, who was forced to envelope herself in guilt for a crime she didnt even commit has been lost. Let this be a lesson to each of us.

Apologies may be nothing, but an acknowledgment of the utter stupidity on behalf of Sacred Heart, Chandigarh also has a role to play in all of this. As far as I understand, to have kicked a girl out of school for whatever inconsiderate reason, at the time where she would have needed the support of her peers and teachers (many of whom, she looked up to, I am sure) is noteworthy and despicable.

I pray for Ruchika’s family, and I hope, one day she is able to smile down and say “Justice has FINALLY been served.” It is important for us to know what we believe in, and continue to believe in it to the extent that we are willing to fight and voice in its defense.

I am so sorry to have known that such heinous and loathsome people and acts have come to be ignored by the courts. The verdict now, is nothing less than a joke.

** To read more about this case, please click here.