Anti-rape law ordinance: Minimum punishment in case of rape of women has been increased from rigorous imprisonment of 7 years to 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment
In case of rape of a girl under 16 years, minimum punishment has been increased from 10 years to 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for rest of life, which shall mean imprisonment till that person’s natural life.
The punishment for gang rape of a girl under 16 years of age will invariably be imprisonment for rest of life of the convict. Stringent punishment for rape of a girl under 12 years has been provided - minimum 20 years’ imprisonment or imprisonment for rest of life or with death.
In case of gang rape of a girl below 12 years, punishment will be imprisonment for rest of life or death sentence.
Time limit for investigation of all cases of rape has been prescribed, which has to be mandatorily completed within 2 months. Time limit for completion of trial of all rape cases set at 2 months
6 months’ time limit for disposal of appeals in rape cases has also been prescribed
It has been prescribed that there will be no provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of rape or gang rape of a girl under 16 years.
It has also been provided that court has to give notice of 15 days to Public Prosecutor and the representative of the victim before deciding bail applications in case of rape of a girl under 16 years of age.
New Fast Track Courts will be set up in consultation with States/UTs and High Courts. New posts of public prosecutors to be created and related infrastructure to be set up in consultation with States/UTs. Special forensic kits for rape cases to all Police Stations and hospitals.
Dedicated manpower will be provided for investigation of rape cases in a time bound manner. Spl forensic labs in each State/UT exclusively for rape cases.
National Crime Records Bureau will maintain a national database and profile of sexual offenders. This data will be regularly shared with States/UTs for tracking, monitoring and investigation, including verification of antecedents by police.
The present scheme of One Stop Centres for assistance to victim to be extended to all districts in the country.
Time limit for investigation of all cases of rape has been prescribed, which has to be mandatorily completed within 2 months. Time limit for completion of trial of all rape prescribed at 2 months
