New Delhi:
Last week when the verdict was pronounced against SPS Rathore, many thought our law had been too easy on him. Well, it's about to get really tough right now. The proposed new law on sexual offences has some really stringent measures.
Six months for a young girl's life seemed too little, too late. And SPS Rathore wasn't the only one in the dock - the government, the police, the CBI - all were blamed for an inadequate system by a very angry public.
So, now the Law Ministry has decided to set matters right with a radical new law.
The law:- The Sexual Offences (Special Courts) Act 2003 will be introduced in the Budget Session of Parliament
- Under the proposed law investigations can begin without an FIR
- The police can act on a complaint, even make an arrest, without a warrant
- The accused can't walk free, can't even apply for anticipatory bail
- The government is bound to appoint a special prosecutor and not just any lawyer
"Laws like Sexual Offences (Special Courts) Act can fast track within six months or 1 year. Cases could be filed and conviction could be held and inquiry will be over,"
said Veerappa Moily, Law Minister.
Sources tell NDTV that the government has already chosen the woman who will fight the Ruchika case in the Supreme Court; an application is expected soon.
Noted lawyer Indira Jaising said she is so moved by their (Ruchika's family) fight and said they must continue it.
The new law was actually conceived in 1997 when the landmark judgement on sexual harassment - the Vishaka Judgement was given by the Supreme Court, it gathered dust all these years but the Ruchika case has forced the government into action.