Parliament has approved the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013 to strengthen the anti-rape laws with the Rajya Sabha adopting it by voice vote yesterday.

The bill provides for minimum imprisonment of 20 years which may be extended to sentence of death, if the victim dies in the commission of crime or is reduced to persistent vegetative state.

The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Replying to the discussion, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said specific provisions have been made to deal with crimes against women.

Mr Shinde said, strictest provisions have also been made for crimes such as trafficking of women and minor girls. He hoped that the bill will have a far reaching impact in controlling crimes against women in society.

The Home Minister said the bill has the provision to punish those police officials who fail to register FIRs. Mr Shinde said, provisions have also been made to protect the dignity of women during recording of evidence and cross examination.