Journalism of Courage
A day after being issued a notice by the National Commission of Women (NCW),CBI Director Ranjit Sinha in his reply expressed regret over his inadvertent remark,giving analogy of rape while talking about legalising betting.
In his reply,Sinha said: This is as erroneous as saying that if rape is inevitable,one should lie back and enjoy it. I regret any hurt caused as the same was inadvertent and unintended. I reiterate my deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues.
Meanwhile,Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath condemned the statement.
Sinha is believed to have told NCW that on being asked by the moderator to give his views,he was explaining that if laws cannot be enforced that does not mean laws should not be made. Sinha,who was on the panel of a session on Ethics and integrity in sports need for a law and role of CBI,had said on Tuesday that there was no harm in legalising betting in the country.
If you cannot enforce the ban on betting,it is like saying if you cant prevent rape,you enjoy it, he had said.
Condemning the statement,the NCW issued a notice to Sinha on Wednesday and gave him a 24-hours to respond. Later,in a statement,Sinha had clarified he gave his opinion that betting should be legalised and that if the laws cannot be enforced that does not mean that laws should not be made.
