Justice Verma committee report on rape law
Justice Verma committee report on rape law:
It has rejected demand for death penalty for rape, retains existing punishment of seven years to life sentence(in which convict may be released after 14 years at govt ‘s discretion.
If rape causes death or leaves victims in vegetative state, imprisonment should be 20 years to rest of convict’s life. Same punishment for gang rape.
If victim is minor, committee recommends minimum 10 year jail , going upto life sentence. If minor dies during rape or leaves into vegetative stage, sentence should range from 20 years to the rest of convict’s life.
Committee recognized marital rape as an offence for women of all ages.
The committee also introduced the heinous offence of acid attack. If it causes grievous hurt, the punishment shall range from 10 years to life sentence.
For Sexsual harassment like ‘intentional touching’ using words , acts or gestures, punishment has been increased from two years to five years.
The report also introduced the offence of voyeurism, which punishes a ‘peeping tom’ with imprisionment from one to three years.
The committee also introduced the offence of ‘stalking’ in any form with the penalty ranging from one to three years.
If a woman is assaulted with intent to disrobe her or compel her to be naked in a public place, the imprisonment shall be three years to seven years.
The report also introduces the offence of voyeurism, which punishes a “peeping Tom” with imprisonment from one to three years. The range of punishment for a repeat offender would be three to seven years.
It also introduces the offence of ‘stalking’ in any form with the penalty ranging from one to three years.
Existing provisions of molestation and sexual harassment (eve-teasing) have been brought under the offence of “sexual assault”. Under it, the punishment for “intentional touching” has been increased from two years to five years while the maximum sentence for other forms of sexual harassment (“using words, acts or gestures”) would remain one year.
The panel also introduced the heinous offence of acid attack. If it causes grievous hurt, the punishment shall range from 10 years to life sentence.