The Lok Sabha has passed the Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2013, ensuring stringent punishment for crimes against women. The bill was unanimously adopted by a voice vote, after negating the opposition-sponsored amendments.

The bill widens the definition of rape and prescribes punishment, which may extend to death sentence, 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.

Replying to the debate, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that the law has been made more stringent and women friendly.