The Lok Sabha today 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.

Replying to the debate, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said tough provisions have been made in the bill to deter offenders.

Several members strongly pleaded for tougher laws to deal with rising crimes against women. Cutting across party lines, majority of the members cautioned the government of possible misuse of the law. The members also called for safeguards so that man-woman relationship in the society is not put to strain.

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.