The Justice J.S. Verma Committee, formed after the gang rape in Delhi, took 29 days to submit its report. One hopes politicians will show an equal sense of urgency. The focus of the report was on sexual crimes, even those committed by security men enjoying legal immunity under the AFSPA. Gender violence has many forms ranging from groping and stalking to crimes as heinous as rape or gang rape. The panel has rejected the demand for death penalty as punishment for rape. It is understandable as most advanced countries are abolishing capital punishment. Imprisonment along with certain and speedy conviction may be more of a deterrent than death sentence. In the case of capital punishment, rapists may kill their victims to cover their tracks.
Marital rape has also come on their list. Its definition has been broadened to include victimization of women of all ages. Legal cognizance is also required for sexual assaults on men including homosexual, transsexual and transgender rape. Medics should follow global protocols. Members of the armed forces in combat zones should be subject to ordinary law for commission of crimes. The panel has condemned institutional apathy about women’s safety. Delivery of criminal justice has to be improved. Systemic reforms have to be made to guarantee independence of law enforcers and courts. Top police ranks should be filled on merit. Jurisdictional ambiguities should be removed. Public functionaries preventing investigation should be punished. The Representation of the People Act needs to be amended debarring election of candidates accused of sexual offences. Political parties should not give tickets to them for election. People in high places are often guilty of such crime. It is hoped that the panel recommendations will make a breakthrough.
