(a) whether the Government has received recommendations from various
quarters including National Commission for Women for a review of various
provisions of the Indian Penal Code concerning crime against women;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI JITENDERA SINGH)
(a) to (c): The Law Commission of India in its 172nd Report on “Review of Rape
Laws†have, amongst others, recommended for changes in the provisions of Indian
Penal Code relating to rape, outraging the modesty of women etc. The National
Commission for Women has also recommended for changes in the provisions of IPC
relating to crimes against women, which, inter alia, pertain to dowry death,
outraging the modesty of a women, stripping of women in a public place and to
make provisions in IPC for dealing with acid attack as a special offence.
As the provisions relating to rape and crimes against women are
sensitive in nature, a High Powered Committee was constituted under the
Chairmanship of Union Home Secretary to examine the issue on review of
rape laws and to finalize the Bill in the matter. The Committee has
submitted its report alongwith a draft Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2011
and recommended to the Government for its enactment.
The draft Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2011 submitted by the
Committee is being examined in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A writ petition (Crl.) No. 129 of 2006 – Laxmi (minor) through her
father vs. Union of India and others had been filed in the Supreme Court of
India, inter alia, praying for amendment in the Indian Penal Code and the
Criminal Procedure Code for dealing with acid attack as a special offence.
The matter is pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.