The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of recent rape cases reported in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The court said the cases reflected systemic failures in law enforcement and public safety.

According to reports, the bench described the incidents as painful and called for fixing accountability. The court stressed the need for measurable steps to make public places safer for women.

The court’s intervention came amid public outrage over the reported cases. It asked authorities to explain what concrete measures were being taken to prevent such crimes and to ensure swift action in reported incidents.

Legal observers said the suo motu cognisance signals the court’s concern over policing and safety in the capital. Further hearings are expected to monitor the steps taken by the authorities.

The court has in the past issued directions on women’s safety in the capital. Monday’s remarks suggest it will keep a close watch on the police response in the coming weeks.