UP Govt introduces bill for quick disposal of rape cases

Lucknow, Aug 9: The Uttar Pradesh government on Aug 8 proposed amendments in the CrPC for speedy disposal of rape cases and stringent provisions for bail in such cases.

In the The Code of Criminal Procedure (Uttar Pradesh Second Amendment) Bill introduced in the state Assembly, new sections and sub-sections related to the trial and bail provisions in rape cases were proposed.

Section 235-A will provide a judge to conclude the trial of offences under section 376 of the IPC as far as possible within a period of six months.

Under Sec 437, (clause I-Ia), a person should not be released if there appears a reasonable ground for believing that he has been guilty of an offence of rape, punishable with imprisonment.

This imprisonment shall not be less than seven years but can extend to a life term or for more than 10 years and shall also be liable to fine.

Sec 439-A provides that a person arrested on the charges of rape can be provided bail by court only on two grounds. First, the court including the High Court and Sessions Court for the reasons to be recorded in writing is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that such person is not guilty of any offence.

Secondly, such person is under the age of 16 or a sick or infirm person.

PTI