Supreme Court Justice Highlights Greater Digital Dangers Faced by Girl Children in India

Supreme Court Justice JB Pardiwala emphasized on Sunday that girl children face heightened risks of victimization in cyberspace, noting that current investigative methods are inadequately equipped to address complex digital crimes.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the national consultation on "Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in India," organized by the Supreme Court's Juvenile Justice Committee in collaboration with UNICEF India, Justice Pardiwala shared his perspective on child protection priorities.

"I am in the Supreme Court as a judge for the past three and a half years. This is the very first event that I am participating in. The reason is simple... I firmly believe that consultations on topics like the one we are discussing are far more important than subjects like bail granting procedures or various legal challenges," he stated.

Justice Pardiwala emphasized the need for action beyond discussion. "I am a man of few words, and when I want to say something straight, I do not believe in mincing words. Let me put it straight and pithily. Talking alone is not enough."

He further expressed that despite numerous consultations and published handbooks, such exercises alone are insufficient. "Judgments are not going to be enough. The need of the hour is that we should work at the grassroots level. We need a team of people with hearts full of compassion and empathy."

The judge lamented that meaningful collective efforts for child protection began significantly after India gained independence. "This may be because children do not constitute a voting class and, therefore, are often overlooked by the policy makers."

Addressing digital safety concerns, Justice Pardiwala highlighted how the session on cybercrime revealed both risks and opportunities presented by the internet. "Girl children stand at a higher risk of also being victimised in the online space. Perpetrators capitalise on the anonymity, accessibility and interconnectedness of the digital domain to commit crimes against women and girls."

He pointed out the limitations of current investigative approaches: "Our present investigative methodologies are not attuned to effectively handle complex crimes committed in cyberspace." This necessitates "more stringent legal safeguards, enhanced law enforcement, and more effective use of technology to protect children online, particularly girls, while enabling them to learn and grow."

Justice Pardiwala acknowledged the ongoing struggle to improve children's rights, especially for girls, even after 75 years of constitutional governance. While Indian democracy may have made mistakes and might continue to do so, he affirmed its determination to follow the constitutional path toward socio-economic justice through democratic means.

"However, I must also acknowledge that we have been progressing. The hope and sheer will to change the past that was riddled with neglect has been the driving force behind the collective efforts of all stakeholders," he noted.

The judge emphasized that discussions on safeguarding girls' rights must begin by acknowledging society's inherent gender bias. "We must be conscious that the problems faced by girl children are deeply rooted in our societal approach towards the female gender in general."

While numerous laws and schemes aim to create a supportive environment for girl children, Justice Pardiwala recognized the implementation challenges stemming from deeply entrenched societal attitudes. "As is always said, any approach or attempt to correct a social wrong must begin within our own homes, by first identifying and confronting both the apparent and hidden discriminatory practices that persist within our own families and communities."

He stressed that meaningful change begins not in policy documents or courtrooms but in mindsets and daily interactions. "Actual change must therefore begin at the micro-level, within our homes, by treating children equitably, sharing responsibilities fairly, and modelling respect for the rights and dignity of girls in our daily lives. If every home becomes a space of equality and respect, society as a whole will follow."

Justice Pardiwala concluded by noting that many indigenous communities across India, particularly in the Northeast, not only accept but celebrate the birth of girl children.