Anti-rape laws: Who suggested what to Justice Verma board

Updated: Thursday, January 24, 2013, 10:14 [IST]

New Delhi, Jan 23: Justice Verma Committee formed in the wake of brutal Delhi gangrape has been flooded with suggestions. Right from eminent jurists, legal professionals, NGOs, women's groups and civil society members, everyone has sent suggestions to Justice Verma Committee.

Media reports suggest that three-member committee headed by former chief justice of India JS Verma is all set to submit its report on Wednesday, Jan 23. Justice Verma panel was set up to suggest tougher laws for crimes against women.

The committee was formed by Congress-led UPA government after the brutal gangrape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student by a group of six men in a moving bus in the national capital. The victim struggled 13-days to survive, but unfortunately she died in a hospital in Singapore on Dec 29, 2012.

The horrific incident caused nation-wide outrage and people across the country protested on the streets to demand safer environment for women.

The other members of the committee are Justice (Retd) Leila Seth, former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court and former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramanian.

Some of the suggestions received by Justice Verma Committee are given below

Suggestions from All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and Women's groups:

1) Fast Track Courts and Speedy Justice and Efficient Investigation.
2) Amendments to the Sexual Assault Sections of the Indian Penal Code.
3) Amendments to CrPC.
4) Preventive Steps and Ensuring Safety for Women.
5) Gender Sensitisation.

Suggestions from Alternative Law Forum Bangalore

1) Broadening the definition of sexual assault.
2) Creating a graded spectrum of offences relating to sexual assault.
3) Making marital rape a punishable offence.
4) Gender Neutrality for victims.
5) Broadening the understanding of custodial sexual assault.
6) Defining Consent.

Hope the suggestions sent to Justice Verma committee will be heard by the government of India to make the country a better place for women. For more details click here.

OneIndia News