New book inspired by Nirbhaya case raises concern over judicial system, society

Inspired by the Nirbhaya gangrape case, a new book raises concern about the Indian society and the judicial system from a common man's point of view.

"Nirbhaya: A Common Man's Justice", by Invincible Publishers, is penned by Saurabh Singh and navigates the loopholes in the judicial system through a fictional tale inspired by the barbaric killing and gangrape of a paramedic in Delhi six years ago.

"It's almost impossible for any of us to forget the dreadful night of December 16, 2012. I won't be wrong to assume that it was not just the family of the deceased who wanted the justice but whole of India came onto the streets for this cause," the Hyderabad-based engineer-author told PTI.

He recounted that it was the first time when women came out on the streets to fight sexual violence, adding that although the Supreme Court gave capital punishment to the four accused, due to the pre-existing Juvenile act, one among those was set free on December 20, 2015.

"That was the day, I felt as a common man, what I would have done or anyone for that matter could have done to punish that juvenile who was just six months to make it to 18 at the time of crime.

"I knew that it was only through my writing that I could present my and the thoughts of millions of others who felt the same. To me, a criminal should be punished based on the crime and not on the basis of age. If one is adult enough to commit rape, he is not a juvenile but a danger to the society," the author said.

Singh, who took two years to pen down the 227-page story, has dedicated the book to all fearless, bravehearts of India who dare to raise their voice against any violence.

"Almost six years passed but yet we have failed to create a safe country for women. My book raises genuine concern about the Indian society and the judicial system," he said.

Singh, whose first book "College 2 Company: Journey of an Engineer" focused on youth, is again targeting young readers with an attempt to make them realise that "it's high time to stop politicising" any incident which puts women safety at stake and join hands to create a safe country for all.

"One who picks up the book will not only witness a pure love story but also the loopholes in our system. How difficult it is for a common man to get justice and how easy it is for a politician to manipulate jurisdictions," Singh said.

Asked how he strikes a balance between writing and his profession, he said, for a married person like him, managing time is the most challenging task.

"It took me almost two years. At times, I didn't write for months and then there were days when I used to write the whole night. I believe if you want your story to be read, write only when your heart has that emotion and brain has that thought ready," he said.