The Lok Sabha on Tuesday March 19,2013 passed a bill which provides for natural life term or even death for repeat offenders of rape and other stringent punishment for various offences like stalking, voyeurism and acid attacks
The Bill, for the first time, defines stalking and voyeurism as non-bailable offences if repeated for a second time. Perpetrators of acid attack will attract a 10-year jail term.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill-2013, brought against the backdrop of the country-wide outrage over Delhi gang-rape, also makes it clear that the age of consent for sex would be 18 years
The Bill seeks to replace an Ordinance promulgated on February 3, which will expire on April 4.
It seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Indian Evidence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by opposition and one by UPA constituent NCP for a life-term for perpetrators of acid attacks were defeated.
An emergency meeting to clear the Bill found the cabinet split down the middle, with the legal eagles in government led by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram spearheading the assault on some of its provisions because, among other things, it would place disproportionate powers in the hands of lower rank policemen and would be subject to gross misuse.
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