Studying the Shakti Bill, Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil presented before the Legislative Assembly the recommendations of the joint select committee, proposing punishment for men, women and transgenders in case a woman is intimidated by any mode of communication and her modesty is insulted.
Walse-Patil said that the joint select committee held 13 meetings on the Bill and finalised the proposed amendments in meetings held earlier this month.
The Bill was tabled in the Winter Session of the House in 2020 and aims to curb crime against women and children. After holding consultations with women and lawyer organisations as well as other stakeholders, it was then referred to the joint select committee of the legislature tasked with submitting a report.
Increasing the period of investigation to 30 days from the existing 15 days was also proposed. The committee has proposed imprisonment not less than three years and up to three years and a fine of INR 1 lakh for filing cases or providing false information to any person.
Walse-Patil said that the original Bill did not have a provision for filing an anticipatory bail plea in case of false complaints or if a person is harassed deliberately. “The committee has decided to drop the recommendation,” he added.
The government has proposed death penalty in offences of rape, acid attack and child abuse under the Shakti Bill and the period of punishment has been extended. The penalty amount would be given to the acid attack victim for treatment and plastic surgery.
