SRINAGAR: The central government will act fast to implement the recommendations of the Verma committee which reviewed the country’s laws on sex crimes, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said.
The committee did not suggest death penalty, but called for a string of measures like faster trials and longer sentences for convicted rapists.
It received more appreciation in Kashmir, where more than two decades of violence have killed tens of thousands, for suggesting review of laws which provide impunity to armed forces against prosecution for any offence, including sexual crimes.
On Wednesday, Singh wrote to the panel’s head, ex-chief justice JS Verma, saying the report would be taken up promptly.
“I assure you that we will be prompt in pursuing the recommendations of the committee,” the prime minister wrote in a letter to Justice Verma.
Singh also thanked the three-member panel for their “labour of love” in completing the work of the committee “our government had constituted to recommend amendments in law to be able to deal effectively with cases of sexual assault of extreme nature against women”.
Tough
Kashmir has its own constitution and any changes the parliament brings in its rape laws will not mean much in the state, our correspondent, Rakib Altaf says.
But he says what is significant is that the commission has also recommended review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which human rights activists in Kashmir believe is used as a ‘shield’ for protecting those security forces involved in sexual crimes.
AFSPA is a federal law and makes prior sanction of the Defence and Home ministries necessary for prosecution of all Army and paramilitary personnel respectively.
While admitting that implementation part of the recommendations was the “toughest part”, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the panel report and said: “Parliament will do what it has to but I promise to the people of J&K that we will look at the Verma committee report with all seriousness…so that as many as possible recommendations are implemented.”
Main opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also welcomed the panel report and said “the recommendations, if implemented, will make a difference on the ground.”
Kashmir’s political parties, including the governing National Conference, have been united in advocating for ending of the AFSPA in the state, where armed violence is on a decline and number of militants is dwindling.
But the army has opposed the idea saying any such move will hamper security measures and peace in the region.
PANEL’S RECOMMENDATIONS
- Broaden definition of what constitutes sexual assault
- Try cases in specially designated courts, preferably with women judges
- Quicker trials and faster processing of appeals in cases of crimes against women
- Those found guilty of rape leading to death should be sentenced for life in prison
- More accountability for the police
- Better implementation of laws and the need for a change in the mindset of law-enforcers
- Strong action against those found guilty of trafficking and against security forces convicted of sexual assault in conflict zones
- Uniform national protocol for the treatment and medical examination of rape survivors
