The Rajya Sabha has taken up a Short Duration Discussion on the situation arising out of atrocities on and social exploitation of women and girl child in the country, resulting in the growing sense of insecurity in the society.

Initiating the discussion, Mrs Maya Singh of the BJP said, the number of violent incidents against women and girls are increasing despite the passage of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. She said, women are not safe anywhere. Suggesting instant death sentence for rapists, Mrs Singh urged the Home Minister to convene an All Party meeting to discuss the issue.

Echoing similar views, Dr Prabha Thakur of the Congress said, death punishment should be awarded to the rapists by fast track courts within a month of the criminal offence. She said the statement of the victim and her medical reports should be considered enough for awarding capital punishment. She also favoured an all party meeting. She said, raping of minor girls is the gravest offence. The discussion is continuing.