TOUGHER LAWS FOR WOMEN'S SAFETY: KEY CHANGES IN TAMIL NADU BILLS EXPLAINED
The amendment bills introduced by Chief Minister MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu Assembly proposed several changes to the punishments for crimes against women.
One bill aimed to update sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, replacing the Indian Penal Code) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure), by adapting their applicability in Tamil Nadu. It also clarified ambiguities in punishments and ensured the laws were clear and consistent.
The other bill sought to make punishment terms within the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998, more stringent.
According to the annexures accessed by India Today, the changes include increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for rape, while also clarifying what "life imprisonment" sentence in Tamil Nadu under BNS would entail.
The revised bill proposes increasing the minimum imprisonment term from 10 to 14 years for rape. The term "life imprisonment" is also explained: the bill makes it clear it refers to the remainder of the person's natural life, with no possibility of a term less than natural life, ensuring there is no confusion about the sentence duration.
In cases of repeated rape of the same woman, the bill now proposes a minimum of 20 years in prison, up from the 10 years outlined in the original of the BNS. It also allows for life imprisonment as a possible punishment.
The bill also addresses stalking, voyeurism, and acid attacks. Stalking, which was previously punishable by three years for the first conviction, will now carry a punishment of up to five years. Repeat offenders will face up to seven years in prison, an increase from the original 5 years. Acid attacks, which cause severe harm to victims, now have life imprisonment as the minimum sentence, replacing the 10-year minimum in the earlier draft.
The definition of harassment has also been expanded to include digital harassment. The bill updates the current provision to cover harassment through electronic means, including online threats, and raises the punishment for harassment to 5 years for the first conviction. The fine for offenders has also increased to Rs 1 lakh.
Public places, including malls and hospitals, will now have stricter obligations to prevent harassment. The bill requires these institutions to take preventive measures such as installing CCTV cameras. Failure to comply will result in higher fines compared to the previous bill. Additionally, the concept of a "Protection Order" has been introduced, allowing magistrates to issue orders preventing the accused from contacting the victim. Violating these orders will result in both a fine and imprisonment.
These changes aim to provide more protection for victims and ensure stricter punishment for offenders. The government's goal is to create a safer environment for women by making the law tougher and more comprehensive.
2025-01-10T12:58:06Z
