Anti-rape bill: Highlights

New offences introduced on thebasis of the Verma Committee report

􀂾 Sexual harassment carries imprisonment up to three years
􀂾 Contrary to the Ordinance promulgated recently which made gender neutral definition, the Bill regards rape as a
gender specific offence committed by a man and where the victim is a woman
􀂾 For molestation the punishment has been raised from two to five years
􀂾 Stalking is punishable with imprisonment up to five years
􀂾 As decided at the allparty meeting, the age of consent is 18 years
􀂾 Voyeurism is punishable with imprisonment up to three years and in the case of a repeat  offender, it
goes up to seven years
􀂾 Going beyond the “whole life” sentence proposed by the Verma Committee, the Bill prescribes death penalty for rape leading to the death or persistent, vegetative state of the victim or gang rape
􀂾 Disrobing a woman in public place is punishable with a maximum term of seven years
􀂾 Acid throwing may attract life sentence
􀂾 Though the ordinance increased the maximum age for marital rape to 16, the Bill retains the existing limit of 15
􀂾 No sanction required for prosecuting public servants including armed forces personnel if caught in sexual crimes.
􀂾 Trafficking of a person is punishable with life imprisonment, especially if the offender is a public servant.