The death penalty awarded to the four convicts in the December 16 gang rape and murder in Delhi has been widely hailed by political parties and the civil society. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Friday, the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said, the judgment has set a new example by sending a message that culprits committing such heinous crime will get stringent punishment.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj tweeted that the judgment will serve as a deterrent for such offences in the country.

Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury said, it will send a strong message to such people who commit crimes against women and encourage those who fight for justice.

CPI (M) leader, Brinda Karat said, only giving death sentence is not enough in such cases and there is a need to strengthen the law and conviction process in sexual assault cases. She said the verdict is within the legal framework.

Delhi Police Joint Commissioner, Tejinder Luthra said, the landmark judgment has sent a message of deterrence to criminals.