The state assembly of Haryana on March 15, 2018 passed the Criminal Law (Haryana Amendment) Bill, 2018 proposing death penalty or rigorous imprisonment of not less than 14 years for rape or gang rape of girls below the age of 12 years.
Speaking on the development, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the law would prove to be a ‘milestone’ in protecting the girl child.
Key Highlights
• The maximum punishment of 14 years may be extended to life imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the case.
• The bill also proposes punishment of not less than 2 years and up to 7 years in case of assault with the intent to outrage the modesty of a girl.
• The bill also proposed maximum punishment of 7 years and a minimum punishment of 3 years for stalking for second conviction.
• The bill was passed with an overwhelming majority.
Background
• With the increase in rape incidents in Haryana, the need for the more stringent law was being felt.
• The state Cabinet had approved a proposal on February 27 to enact the law and to make existing laws related to sexual offences more stringent.
• The bill amends provisions under Section 376 (rape), Section 354 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and Section 354D (2) (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code.
• The government had proposed death penalty or rigorous imprisonment for at least 14 years for a person convicted of raping a girl aged 12 or below.
• Rajasthan passed a similar law on March 9 and Madhya Pradesh in December 2017.
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