The proposed amendments to the Criminal Law on offences against women including sexual assault and rape have been referred to a Group of Ministers. Speaking to reporters, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, V. Narayanasamy said, the Cabinet will meet again in a couple of days to take a final decision. The new proposals aim to toughen anti-rape laws to improve women's safety following the Delhi gangrape incident. The bill, which has to be introduced in parliament, includes key features like lowering the age of consent for sex from 18 to 16. Our correspondent reports, the Group of Ministers headed by P Chidambaram will review the bill. The three member Commission headed by Justice Verma, set up following national outrage over the Delhi gangrape had recommended strengthening the legal framework and proper implementation of punishment for crimes against women.

This Bill will replace the ordinance on crimes against women promulgated last month which had prescribed life imprisonment as the maximum punishment for those committing rape. It will also replace the Criminal Law Amendment) Bill, 2012 introduced in the Lok Sabha last December.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters outside Parliament, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs Krishna Tirath said that the bill will be passed within the stipulated time frame .