We are in the year 2020 but unfortunately, women and children are still the targets of sexual violence such as rape and abuse. Such unforeseen and dangerous tragedies can befall any female or child, at any time, and at any place.
As per a report in HT, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved the introduction of 2 draft bills for strengthening the law in order to prevent incidents of violence and atrocities against women and children in the state. The bills will be introduced in the assembly session, scheduled to begin on December 14, 2020.
The Economic Times reports that once the drafted ‘Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2020’ will be passed by the state legislature, it will be called the Shakti Act. This act envisages stern punishments including death sentences for crimes such as rape, acid attack, and child abuse. Moreover, the period of investigation for these heinous crimes would be reduced to 15 working days and a speedy trial within 30 days. For this, special police teams and separate courts would be set up.
Yashomati Thakur, Women and Child Development Minister said, “It’s a historic decision. This law will help us protect women and children of our State.”
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh explained, “Today the Cabinet discussed the Shati Act and cleared the draft bill to amend sections of Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The two draft bills will be tabled in the State Legislature during the winter session next week. Once the State Legislature approves the two drafts, we will send them to the Centre for Presidential assent.”
The second draft bill that is meant for the implementation of the Shakti legislation has been named as Special Court and Machinery for Implementation of Maharashtra Criminal Law, 2020. “This draft talks about death punishment for offenders of heinous crimes against Women and Children,” Deshmukh stated.
We hope that this decision serves as a beacon of hope for all the citizens of our country out there. What do you think of this bill?
Cover Image Source- Left