Refusing to end her fast despite the Centre’s affidavit to the Supreme Court on amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal on Friday said she will continue to protest till stringent laws are formulated.
‘Not enough’
On Day Eight of her hunger strike, Ms. Maliwal said, “The government submits several affidavits to the High Court and Supreme Court each day. Similarly, submitting an affidavit on introduction of death penalty for child rapists is not enough. We will not be victorious till a proper law is framed.”
Addressing the large number of people who had gathered at the protest site, she added, “How will the punishment be meted out within six months if fast-track courts are not established? The current law says the accused will get life imprisonment within a year. Has that ever happened? The government needs to ensure that justice is delivered within six months.”
Reiterating her demands for expansion of the police force and increased accountability, Ms. Maliwal said, “I will not break my fast till all my demands are met.”
The DCW chairperson, who has been on hunger strike since April 13, has been demanding stringent anti-rape laws, including death penalty for those accused of raping minors.
Medical bullet
A medical bulletin issued on Friday evening stated that Ms. Maliwal has lost over 5 kg since she started the indefinite hunger strike.
