Bringing smiles on the faces of all those who have been awaiting a strong rape law in the country, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday passed the Criminal Law Amendment Bill that puts India in one of those countries with strong anti-rape law. It has to be mentioned here that the Criminal Law Amendment Bill was discussed widely before it was passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It was finally sent across to the President for his approval and today he signed it.

Notably, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013 has provisions wherein the accused in rapes, if found guilty, can face death penalty. The acid attackers and other heinous crimes against women would be punishable with rigorous imprisonment of ten years. Speaking about this law, the union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has said that this law focuses on strong punishment for even offences such as human trafficking, voyeurism and stalking.

Andhra Wishesh, which has been fighting for welfare and safety of women, welcomes the anti-rape bill.

(AW Phani)