The Criminal Law (Aamendment) Bill, 2013, introduced in the Lok Sabha today, seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Indian Evidence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The bill widens the definition of rape and prescribes punishment which may extend to sentence of death if the victim dies during the commission of offence or is reduced to persistent vegetative state. In case of gang rape, the punishment will be for a minimum of twenty years extendable to life. The amendments also seek specific provisions for punishment for the offences of causing grievous hurt by acid attack, punishment for stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill, it will be mandatory for all hospitals to immediately provide first aid and medical treatment free of cost to the victims of the acid attack or rape.