Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate Season 2 Episode On Rape: What You Missed

Aamir Khan's talk show 'Satyamev Jayate' returned for another season this Sunday and its second innings started with a bang. The first episode focussed on the epidemic of violence against women that has gripped the nation since the horrific Delhi gangrape incident of December 16, 2012. If you didn't watch the show, here's what you missed:

The State Of Police Apathy

Aamir highlighted the indifference shown towards victims and their families by police officers who are meant to enforce justice but instead shame and ridicule them. Aamir even interviewed the parents of a girl who committed suicide after being humiliated by officers. Some important information was also shared with viewers about the rights they can exercise against an officer who refuses to file an FIR (such as registering a case against the officer under Section 166A of the Indian Penal Code).

The Re-Rape Of Victims By Doctors

The show examined the hurdles a rape victim goes through during every step she takes following assault. The next segment examined the kind of horrors a rape victim faces at hospitals where she is discouraged by doctors to take up the case and subjected to the humiliating and illegal two finger test. Aamir also interviewed a doctor and activist working to standardize the process doctors must follow when examining a rape victim. Another important piece of information shared was the fact that no hospital, public or private, can refuse a rape victim and they are compelled to examine her in a professional and thorough fashion.

When Justice Is Blind To Justice

The third segment of the show exposed the kind of treatment meted out by courts and lawyers to victims. Horrific instances were highlighted, one being where a victim's undergarments were openly displayed in the middle of the courtroom. Aamir interviewed a woman who'd been fighting to have her case heard for over 21 years, despite having shown dilligence in collecting every bit of evidence possible. The segment also featured a short interview with retired judge Usha Mehra, whose report had proposed the establishment of a one stop rape crisis centre that would facilitate speedy trials.

Breaking Down Societal Prejudice

Aamir then went on to highlight the kind of prejudice we label rape victims with as a society. Interestingly, research on rape victims showed that the maximum number of crimes happened to women when they were wearing saris or burqas, banishing the myth that the victim might have lured her attacker with provocative dressing. Research also showed that no age group was spared, with victims ranging from the ages of 2-93.

Showcasing The Spirit Of Survivors

The stories of rape survivors were celebrated with two women, Suzette Jordan (Park Street, Kolkata) and Urmila Singh Bharti (Madhya Pradesh), sharing their experiences on the show. The women admitted to being ostracized, abused, humiliated and bogged down by the system and society they lived in, but their spirit shined through at the end of the day and they are now working to help other victims fight their cases.

Sona Mohapatra Sings 'Bekhauf'

Just like in the last season, the episode ended with a touching song on the matter discussed. Sung by Sona Mohapatra and composed by Ram Sampth, the lyrics of 'Bekhauf' spoke of a victim's desire to live without fear.

What was your favourite moment from the first episode of Satyamev Jayate 2? Let us know in the comments section.