Maharashtra Proposes Death Penalty For Rape
On 9th December 2020, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved two bills which have stern punishments, including death penalty, for crimes such as rape, child abuse and acid attack.
Maharashtra has the third-highest number of incidents of crimes against women. The Indian Express reported that on 9th December 2020, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved two bills. The bills have rules for stern punishments, including death penalty, for crimes such as rape, child abuse and acid attack. Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said, “The draft bills were discussed in the Cabinet and the bill will be tabled in the Winter Session of the legislature starting from 14th December. After the approval of the legislature, the Bills will be sent to the Centre for its approval and then to the President.” The Bill has been named Shakti Act 2020.
According to the draft bill, if the person is guilty of crimes such as rape, child abuse and acid attack, they will be sentenced to imprisonment for at least 10 years or till the end of natural lives. If the cases have characteristics of being heinous death sentences may also be given. Acid attack survivors will also be given Rs 10 lakh for plastic surgery. The convict will pay the amount as fine. The draft bills also propose to reduce the time for completing an investigation from two months to 15 working days and for completion of trials to 30 working days from 60 days. Special police teams and separate courts will be set up for inquiry and trial for cases of crime against women and children. The bills also have new categories of crime, including threatening and defaming through any channel of communication. Punishment will be up to two years’ jail or Rs 1 lakh fine. If mobile service providers do not cooperate in inquiries, they will also face jail and penalty.
