A landmark bill regarding raping minor was passed by Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on last Friday. As per the bill, a capital punishment of death penalty is now allowed for raping girls less than 12 years of age.
Home Minister Kumar Waii presented this Criminal law (Arunachal Pradesh) Amendment Bill 2018 in the assembly session and this bill was unanimously passed by a voice vote. Now, Arunachal Pradesh became the fourth state in India to bring such amendment to the criminal law. Other than Arunachal Pradesh, three other states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan also have the provision of death penalty to those convicted of raping girls below 12 years.
Home Minister shared with the house that this Bill is having the provision of strict punishment to control such crime in the state. After passing this bill, whoever commits rape on minor girl shall face death penalty or rigorous imprisonment for not be less than fourteen years. After being convicted in such case, the period of imprisonment may also extend for the remainder of that person’s natural life. Under section 377 AA of this bill, person can also be fined for a huge sum. This bill also amended sections 354, 354 (B), 354 (D) of IPC. In case of outraging the modesty of women by giving prison punishment up to 7 years and 10 years to the existing provisions and fine of Rupees One lakh.
He further added that this bill also has a strict penalty for the cases of gang rape. After section 376D of the principal Act, the Amendment Bill made provision that where a girl up to twelve years of age, is raped by one or more persons constituting a group or acting in furtherance of a common intention, each of those criminals shall be deemed to have committed the offence of rape and shall be punished with death, or rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, and shall also be liable to fine.
Home Minister Kumar Waii also said that the Amendment Bill also provided that such fine imposed under this section shall be paid to the victim. It is just to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim.