The Union Cabinet has approved a bill dealing exclusively with sexual offences against children. The 'Sexual Offences Against Children Bill' proposes stringent punishment for sexual intercourse or contact with sexual intent with a child below 18 years.

The punishment ranges from three years' imprisonment to life term for a person who commits sexual harassment, sexual assault, penetrative sexual assault or aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

The Bill recommends 10 years of imprisonment extendable to life imprisonment and fine for aggravated sexual assault.

It will be treated as an aggravated offence where the child victim is below 12 years or has mental or physical disability or the sexual offence causes grievous hurt or injury to the child with long term adverse effect on the child’s mind and body.