The Government said it will accord top priority to implementation of the Verma Committee's recommendations for dealing with crimes against women. Union Minister for Law & Justice, Ashwani Kumar said this at a press conference held in Mumbai yesterday emphasising the need for removing procedural inadequacies for speedy delivery of justice. The Verma committee received around 80,000 suggestions and wrapped up its work within 29 days. Mr Kumar also informed that the Centre has sanctioned 10 per cent of the existing strength of judges as additional posts to be created for the subordinate judiciary. Highlighting the need for providing speedy and affordable justice to the common man at his doorsteps, the Law Minister said Gram Nyayalayas are being set up at the inter-mediate Panchayat level.
The Justice Verma Committee has recommended enhancing punishment of upto 20 years imprisonment for rape and murder and a life term for gang rape. The committee however refrained from suggesting the death penalty. The three-member Committee headed by former Chief Justice J S Verma submitted its report yesterday suggesting amendment of criminal laws to provide for higher punishment to rapists, including those belonging to the police and public servants. Releasing the report in New Delhi ,Justice Verma told a news conference that the Committee has not suggested the death penalty for rapists because there were overwhelming suggestions from women organisations against it. New offences have been created and stiffer punishment has been suggested for those committing them. The new offences include disrobing a woman, voyeurism, stalking and trafficking.
The present law provides for punishment for rapists of imprisonment ranging from seven years to life.
The panel is of the opinion that the age of a juvenile under the Juvenile Justice Act need not be lowered from the present 18 years of age.The Committee also asked MPs and MLAs having heinous cases pending against them to voluntarily quit their seats as a mark of respect to Parliament, legislatures and the Constitution.
