Delhi Government Decided Drafting New Bill for Amendments in Law on Rape, Sexual Assault

In context with the Vasant Vihar gang rape which took place on 16 December 2012, Delhi Government decided drafting new bill for making amendments in the law against rape and sexual assault. It was decided that amendments would be made so that the law against rape and sexual assault were more stringent. The new bill would be prepared by Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising and it would later be moved to Home Ministry via Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit.

The new bill would aim at filling gaps in present law on rape and sexual assault. At present, the laws on rape and sexual assault have various gaps in justice delivery system. Decision to draft new bill was taken by CM Sheila Dikshit after negotiations with social workers, professors and experts.

Additionally, the Delhi government also decided setting up full-time control room for women who needed help by end of December 2012. The control room would become functional at Delhi Secretariat in CM’s office with committed phone numbers.

Before the draft bill is finalised, there would be a consultation with the stakeholders. Also, the Delhi Commission for Women was asked to use all possible modes of media for inculcating awareness among different sections of society. GRCs, RWAs, Mahila Panchayats, corporate houses as well as Citizen Groups would be involved as well.