New Anti-rape Law May Impose Chemical Castration, 30-Year Imprisonment on Offenders

The new anti-rape law proposal drafted by the Congress may likely include chemical castration and up to 30 years of imprisonment as punishment for offenders, reported PTI.

As public outrage over the gang-rape incident of the 23-year-old paramedical student continues to lash out at the government, India's ruling party has vowed to make stringent anti-rape laws. The new provisions, which could come under Congress' bill, may include chemical castration for sex offenders, setting up of fast track courts to ensure immediate trial for rape cases with a deadline of 90 days and up to 30 years of imprisonment.

It was said that the provisions were already discussed in the presence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Dec 23. The final draft of the bill is still not ready.

The proposal is also likely to include suggestions on reviewing juvenile laws, considering the fact that one of the accused involved in the gang-rape incident is a minor. The victim had earlier said in a statement that the minor inflicted maximum damage.

The proposal would be submitted to the three-member panel, which was recently set up to review rape laws in the country and to suggest changes in the laws to ensure speedy trail and justice to the victims. The committee is headed by the former Chief Justice J S Verma and includes Justice (retd) Leila Seth and former solicitor general Gopal Subramanian. The committee has already sought suggestions and ideas from the public.

Sources added that the government is likely to issue an ordinance to pass the bill since the next parliament session is only after two months.