Just a few years of jail term to the rapists and on top of that 35 days of ultimatum to the victim to report the case is extremely unfair, the activists say. As per the existing law, raping someone below 10 years of age fetches a convict 10 to 15 years of jail term. [break]
Eight to 12 years of imprisonment in case of a rape of 14 to 16 year old girl, 5 to 8 years of imprisonment when the girl is between 16 to 20, and just 5 to 7 years of jail term when the victim is above 20 years of age. However, if victims fail to file case against perpetrators within 35 days, the case is not pursued by the law.
Speaking at a press meet organized by National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) in the capital on Friday, Dr Renu Raj Bhandari said that the laws regarding sexual violence against women have proven very ineffective. And in view of ever rising cases of violence against women, the government should amend the laws without delay.
“Three women get raped in the country every two days. The data is based on the cases that are reported while in truth only few rape cases are reported,” Raj Bhandari said. “There is an urgent need to amend the laws, among other actions, to combat the crime,” she added.
Bhandari urged everyone to join hands in the national campaign against rape that would go on from September 22 till December 10. The campaign led by NAWHRD is aimed at changing the scenario through a wholesome approach towards the issue.
“The campaign will kick off on International Peace Day and go on till Human Rights Day. The basic goal of the national wide campaign would be to help women fight against violence and lead a dignified life,” said Raj Bhandari.
According to a statement issued by NAWHRD, the campaign would stress on fast track courts to oversee the cases of sexual violence and immediate amendment to rape related laws.
Related story
Rights activists seek withdrawal of time limit for rape complai...
