Definition of sexual assault needs to be 'widened'
Updated on
Thursday, July 02, 2009, 21:43
IST
New Delhi, July 02: The definition of sexual assault
needs to be "widened" to include molestation while the
judicial process in rape cases should be fast-tracked, NCW
Chairperson Girija Vyas said here today.
Vyas said there was an imminent need to bring about a
change in law to deal with sexual violence against women, the
proposal for which has been sent to the government by NCW.
"We have already submitted a bill in this regard to the
government. It is for widening the definition of rape to make
it more comprehensive and cover molestation and eve-teasing as
well" under sexual assault, Vyas said at the screening of a
documentary directed by filmmaker Lavlin Thadani on the issue.
She said besides comprehensive reform in the law dealing
with rape, the legal process should ensure that cases are
settled in less than a month and the tortuous process of
requiring the victim to give statements repeatedly be done
away with.
"Currently 36 bills are pending before Parliament, and
our proposal is still with the government, yet to go to the
legislation-making body," Vyas said, adding she will take
up the issue in Parliament.
The NCW Chairperson said there are 2.78 crore cases of
rape pending in courts at different levels, according to
statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau.
"We need to fast-track the process of justice to ensure
that the cases are disposed of within 21 days on a single
statement of the victim," she said.
Bureau Report