The Supreme Court verdict in Mai’s case has been attacked viciously and torn apart. No illegality has been pointed out. The court cannot be held responsible for faulty and flawed police investigations and insufficient evidence. What could any court have done in these circumstances to satisfy the special interest groups, politicking behind the scenes?
The women NGOs are not satisfied with the verdict and claim the miscarriage of justice. They have been supporting Mai’s claim all along. The gang rape as claimed was not proven beyond reasonable doubt in this case. The Mai’s version was not supported by evidence. It is not clear what part the panchiayat played in the settlement leading to throwing her to wolves (assailants)? Why did she go to the Mastoi tribe elders? How was her younger brother involved? Was he guilty of rape or was he a victim of sodomy? Why a case was not initiated against his attackers? These are the missing links in Mukhtaran Mai’s case.
Rape is the most heinous crime against women. The social stigma is too great to bear. Woman is blamed for bringing this onto her. The fault lies with her. The presumption is that she asked for it and she gets what she asks for. The character of the victim is challenged and tarnished in the court. Her evidence is questioned and her reputation is torn apart to show her unchastely and sexual licentious life. In this controversy, Mukhtaran Mai has been the most tortured victim. She is reliving the ugly incident over and over again. This should end now, enough of insanity over the issue.
JAVAID BASHIR
Lahore
