Question : STALKING CASES

(a) whether cases of stalking have risen particularly in view of the poor rate of conviction in such cases;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Mumbai High Court in its decision has suggested for adoption of stringent anti-stalking laws;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard;

(e) the steps taken by the Government to bring stringent laws keeping in view the dismal rate of conviction in incidents of crime against women like rape, molestation and stalking; and

(f) the details of recommendations received from various organizations including the National Commission for Women for reviewing the sections of the Indian Penal Code related to crimes against women and children?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (f): As per information provided by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), separate data regarding stalking cases of women is not maintained centrally.

Mumbai High Court in its judgement of case in 2008 involving Meeran Borwankar, Inspector General, State CID had suggested for adoption of anti-stalking laws.

A High-Powered Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of the Home Secretary to examine the issue relating to the review of rape laws has formulated draft “Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2011.

Delhi Police has started 24X7 anti-stalking helpline 1096 for benefit of women in distress.

As per the inputs provided by National Commission for Women (NCW), the commission has recommended amendments to section 375, 376 and 304B. The Commission has also recommended inclusion of new section 509B IPC making stalking of women a crime.