GD Topic - Crime Against Women in India: Who Bears the Responsibility?

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Senior Executive - Editorial

Updated on Sep 25, 2025 12:40 IST

Group Discussion plays a major role in the MBA Admissions. Candidates planning to take MBA entrance exams must prepare for the GD round too. Check out the article below for a discussion on Crime Against Women in India.

Can you confidently share your ideas while discussing with others in a high-pressure situation? That’s exactly what a Group Discussion (GD) in the MBA admission process is all about. Group Discussion serves as a platform to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, analytical thinking, leadership abilities, and teamwork. The group is given a topic, usually on current affairs, business trends, or abstract concepts, and they are asked to state their views on the same. Aspirants are then tested on their ability to interpret thoughts while maintaining decorum.

MBA is one of the most chosen post-graduation courses among commerce as well as science students. To get admitted to the course, students have to appear for one of the entrance exams, including CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAH MBA CET. Once the entrance exam is over, candidates have to take part in the GD and Personal Interview (PI) round to gain admission to a prestigious B-School.

To do well in the Group Discussion, candidates must ensure good body language and confidence, and maintain calmness during the discussion. Being aware of the topic and speaking good English is not the only requirement for a GD. A candidate must not interrupt other members while they are putting forward their viewpoints. Following proper etiquette is a must.

Check Out: Best MBA Colleges in India

Women’s Safety: A Growing Concern

There is a saying, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its women.” According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022, a total of 4,45,256 cases of crime against women were recorded, which is 4% more than the previous year’s cases. It shows 51 incidents happen every hour in India, among which husband/relative cruelty, kidnappings, and assaults to outrage modesty were the most common offenses.

According to NCRB, Rape, one of the most heinous crimes, accounted for around 31,000 cases. Even though various legal reforms were made after watching public outrage over various high-profile cases like 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi and the 2019 Hyderabad veterinarian’s murder, the persistence of such crimes shows a significant gap between the laws and their implementation. The Kolkata case of 2024, where a doctor was brutally raped and murdered in a public hospital, shook the nation. These cases show the issues faced by women in public places as well as in places they consider secure and professional.

We need more than just laws on paper to ensure a woman's safety. To address the societal and cultural roots of gender-based violence, we need active enforcement, unwavering accountability, and a deep commitment. We need to create an environment where women can live without fear of violence. They need to be supported by a justice system that acts swiftly and effectively. Until we work on these things, the goal of a safe world for women will remain a challenge.

Table of content

Statistics on Crime Against Women
Brutal Crimes Faced by Women
Reasons Behind the Lack of Women’s Safety in India
Special Laws for Women's Safety in India
Initiatives and Legal Frameworks for Women’s Safety
Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA GD/PI

Statistics on Crime Against Women

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released the annual crime report of 2022 on December 3, 2023. Find the statistics for Crime Against Women dated 2020-2022 in the below table as declared by NCRB on its official website ncrb.gov.in:

The 2022 annual crime against women report by NCRB reveals a continuous rise in crimes across India. A total of 4,45,256 cases were registered in the year 2022, which is equal to 66.4% crime rate per lakh population. The crime trend shows a vast increase from 3,71,503 cases in 2020 to 4,28,278 cases in 2021, to the current figure of 4,45,256.

State/UT-Wise Crime Against Women

Among states, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of crimes against women with 65,743 cases. Rajasthan recorded 45,058 cases and Maharashtra recorded 45,331 cases. In terms of the crime rate per lakh population, Delhi tops the Union Territories (UTs) with a crime rate of 144.4 per lakh population. Meanwhile, states like Mizoram and Nagaland report some of the lowest figures.

Besides these humungous crime rate figures, another matter that saddens us is the 25% conviction rate. The conviction rate is a measure of the percentage of criminal cases in which the accused is found guilty, relative to the total number of cases where a final judgment is delivered. It reflects the efficiency of the judicial system in securing convictions based on evidence and the strength of investigations.

Brutal Crimes Faced by Women

Women in India face many brutal crimes. These crimes violate their fundamental rights to safety, dignity, and freedom. These heinous crimes cause physical as well as emotional harm to them. Check out the space below to know about some of the most brutal crimes faced by women in India:

Rape and Sexual Assault: Rape is one of the most heinous crimes faced by women. It is a persistent issue in India. 7.1% of the total cases of crime against women are for rape. Women of all ages and backgrounds are vulnerable to sexual violence. Often, their friends, family, or colleagues commit this crime. This makes it more difficult for them to seek justice.
Acid Attacks: Acid attack is another horrifying form of violence. In this, the assaulter throws acid on the victim, causing severe burns, disfigurement, and permanent disabilities. Most of the time, these attackers are men who are rejected by the victim (for a romantic or personal relationship).
Dowry-Related Violence and Bride Burning: Dowry Violence is a prevalent issue. Women face torture, abuse, and even death due to the lack of meeting dowry demands. According to the government report, thousands of women die each year because of dowry.
Human Trafficking: Another brutal crime affecting women in India is human trafficking. Women are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or domestic service. In states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, women are often lured by traffickers with promises of better job opportunities.
Female Feticide and Infanticide: Female Feticide means abortion of the female fetus. This issue is widely spread in India as people still prefer male children. However, Female Infanticide is killing newborn girls. This crime is practiced in many rural and impoverished areas of India.
Honor Killings: Honor Killing is usually committed by the family members, including the father, brother, or uncle. The members kill women when they think a woman's actions (often related to marriage, love, or relationships) are dishonorable.
Stalking and Cyberstalking: Stalking means getting unwanted & obsessive attention from a person. It often leads to threats, harassment, and physical harm. On the other hand, cyberstalking has become common due to technological advancements. Perpetrators often use social media, messaging platforms, or even surveillance technology to harass and intimidate their victims.
Domestic Violence: It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse within intimate partner relationships. It is a form of control and manipulation where women usually suffer in silence due to financial independence, lack of resources, or fear.
Forced Marriages and Marital Rape: Another form of brutal crime is forcing women to marry someone they don’t want to marry. Many times, women face physical and sexual abuse in such marriages. On the other side, Marital Rape is a crime when a husband or intimate partner rapes their wife or partner. Even though it is illegal in many countries, marital rape is not yet criminalized in India. According to Indian Law, rape by a husband is not considered a crime unless the wife is separated or below 15 years of age.

Reasons Behind the Lack of Women’s Safety in India

Many laws and initiatives aim at improving a woman's safety in India. However, they still face crime due to multiple reasons. These include individual actions and societal, cultural, and institutional structures. Let's learn about these reasons.

1. The deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset is one of the major reasons that dominates many aspects of society. These people see women as subordinate to men. With this mindset, they justify gender-based harassment, violence, and exploitation. In many places, people still see women as second-class citizens and overlook or disregard their basic rights.

For example, the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi exposed the brutality women face every day. It also highlighted the social mindset that undermines women's autonomy. Some members of the public and even media outlets attempted to blame the victim. They questioned her clothing and behavior, further reinforcing patriarchal ideas that hold women responsible for their victimization.

2. There are strong legal frameworks, such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013) and post-Nirbhaya amendments in India. However, the judicial system of India is so slow, ineffective, and overburdened that it makes it impossible for women to feel safe.

The Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case in 2024 makes it evident that women are not safe even in professional places. Such cases indicate that, despite stringent laws, enforcement often falls short. Also, the slow investigation process and lengthy trials discourage women from reporting crimes.

3. Cultural and Social Stigma play a crucial role in preventing women from reporting crimes. Most of the time, victims of harassment or sexual violence are blamed for “bringing shame” to their families or society. Besides, in conservative communities, the victim’s honor is questioned by people around them. This inflicts fear among them, resulting in reluctance to report crimes.

For example, In rural areas, women who are victims of rape or domestic violence are often shunned by their communities. This discourages them from asking for help.

The #MeToo movement was a significant step forward. It revealed how women in the workplace, including well-known personalities, faced harassment. However, many remained silent due to fear of reputational damage and job loss.

4. The fear of retaliation and lack of trust in the law often prevent women from reporting crimes. Many victims feel that their complaints will not be taken seriously by law enforcement agencies or that the legal system will fail to provide them justice.

For example, in the Hyderabad veterinarian 2019 case, four men abducted and raped a woman. After that, they brutally murdered her and set her body on fire under a construction bridge. This case brought nationwide protests and demands for faster justice. The delay in taking action in such cases and the fear of delayed justice lead to many victims refraining from coming forward.

5. Ignorance of gender-sensitive education and awareness among people is another reason behind the lack of women's safety. Schools, colleges, and workplaces often lack adequate programs that promote respect for women. They do not teach boys and men about consent, boundaries, and gender equality. It is impossible to reduce crimes against women without changing the mindset of future generations.

For example, incidents of eve-teasing, harassment, and assault continue to prevail in many urban areas. This is because of the lack of effective mandatory programs.

6. Many women, especially in rural areas, are economically dependent on their male partners. This limits their ability to escape abusive relationships or seek justice. Besides, women also get entangled in dangerous situations due to societal pressure.

Women in urban areas also refrain from getting legal help for an assault due to financial challenges. In the Hyderabad gang rape case, the victim lacked economic resources. This made it difficult for her to protect herself from the culprit.

7. Many regions of India lack the proper infrastructure for women’s safety. Urban areas are improving their infrastructure. For the safety of women, they are expanding the number of women police officers, setting up special helplines, and creating women-friendly police stations. However, many semi-urban and rural areas lack access to such resources.

In smaller cities, women are more likely to be attacked by someone due to inadequate public transportation and lighting in secluded areas. A classic example can be seen in the rise of public transport-related crimes. Women face harassment or assault in buses or trains, especially late at night, because there are no dedicated women-only spaces or sufficient security.

8. The portrayal of women in the media and entertainment industry also contributes to the normalization of gender-based violence. Many films, TV shows, and advertisements portray women as mere objects of desire and treat violence against women very lightly. This distorts public perceptions of acceptable behavior and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Special Laws for Women's Safety in India

India has created various laws to guarantee women's empowerment, safety, and protection. Each law addresses different forms of discrimination and violence that a woman faces in public and private places.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This Act protects women from domestic violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. Through this act, women can seek protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief. It also enables women to file a complaint against the abusive partner or family member.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: According to this law, every workplace must establish a mechanism to redress complaints related to sexual harassment. Employers must set up internal complaints committees. They must also provide a legal framework for women to report sexual harassment at work.
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: This Act prohibits giving or receiving dowry during marriage. The acts make dowry a punishable offense. The basic aim of the Dowry Prohibition Act is to protect women from the violence and abuse associated with dowry demands.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: According to this law, marrying girls under 18 and boys under 21 years of age is illegal. The act aims to protect the victims.
The National Commission for Women Act, 1990: The National Commission for Women (NCW) is created under this act. It aims to protect and promote women's rights in India. The NCW investigates complaints of violations and abuse against women. It also suggests measures for their welfare.
Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: This act forbids indecent or offensive portrayal of women in advertisements, publications, or other media. The objective of this law is to stop women from being exploited through visual or written material that objectifies them. It also ensures that women are respectfully represented in public media.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971: The act permits pregnancy termination under special situations. These include fetal abnormality cases, rape cases, or cases in which a woman's life is in danger.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: This act addresses child protection from sexual offenses. It also covers cases where young girls are sexually assaulted.
Commission of Sati Act, 1987: The act prohibits Sati practice. It is an old-age practice where a widow burns herself on her husband's funeral pyre. They either do this willingly or are forced to burn themselves. It defines punishment for those involved, including the family members and religious leaders who promote or abet the act.

Also Read: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Reforming Criminal Law for Better or Worse?

Initiatives and Legal Frameworks for Women’s Safety

To ensure women's safety in India, many initiatives and legal frameworks have been put in place. Let's know about these measures:

Fast-Track Courts: The government of India has established over 1,000 fast-track courts across the country. These courts are built to ensure speedy justice in cases related to dowry deaths, sexual offenses, and domestic violence.
Nirbhaya Fund: A Nirbhaya Fund was introduced after the 2012 Nirbhaya case. The fund finances the initiatives that enhance women’s safety. It includes projects such as safe city programs, installing CCTV cameras, panic buttons in public transport, and women’s help desks in police stations.
She Teams and Specialized Forces: States such as Telangana have started different initiatives, such as She Teams. Under these initiatives, undercover operations are done to identify and arrest the harassers.
Economic Empowerment Programs: In Kerala, programs like Kudumbashree empower women. These initiatives offer economic opportunities and provide social equality.
Legal Reforms and Stringent Laws: The Nirbhaya Act, also known as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, was introduced to impose harsher punishments, including the death penalty for sexual offenses. Additionally, the POSH Act, 2013 (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace), ensures safe work conditions for women.

Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA GD/PI

Candidates preparing for the Group Discussion Rounds for admission in MBA at B-schools can check out the below GD topics:

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About the Author

Nupur Jain

Senior Executive - Editorial

Nupur is an experienced content writer with a specialized focus on Commerce students. Over the past three years, she has crafted engaging and insightful materials to help learners excel in their studies. Outside of Read Full Bio