Home Minister P Chidambaram today said that the government is in the process of amending the criminal law to arrest the rising crimes against women including Honour Killings.

Replying to supplementaries during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, he said more number of cases are being reported from all over the country including Delhi on crimes against women. He said this is a blot on the society.

Mr Chidambaram said the Centre had issued advisories to the state governments to take adequate measures to protect women. He said the government will raise this issue during the meeting of the Chief Ministers in Delhi on 16th of April.

To a specific question, the Home Minister said road rage is a new phenomenon. He, however, ruled out a separate law to deal with the cases of road rage.

Underlining the need for speedy trial in the cases, the Home Minister said the there is a need for having more number of judges, courts and police forces.

The Home Minister said over 2,13,585 cases of crime against women were reported in the country in 2010. He said 22,172 cases of rape were reported in 2010. He said a High Powered Committee under Chairmanship of the Home Secretary was constituted to examine the issue relating to the review of rape laws.

The Committee has formulated the draft Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2011, after consultation with all stakeholders. Mr Chidambaram said a draft Cabinet Note has been circulated to the concerned ministries.