Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo Member Sitaram Yechury on Sunday called upon the Central government to initiate steps for creation of Fast Track Courts (FTCs) at least at the rate of one in every State capital within a year to try sexual crimes against women.
The recent incident of rape in Delhi was not an isolated one because such cases were getting reported every day from across the country. It was a matter of a shame to hear that foreign agencies had rated India alongside with countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia on the issue of safety of women, he told reporters here.
Deterrent punishment
According to him, the system of delivery of justice in the country needed to be improved as the conviction rate in rape cases at the moment stood at just 29 per cent. Laws had to be strengthened but more importantly, deterrent punishment should be given to the accused.
Rally
Mr. Yechury said the CPI (M) planned to conduct a big rally in Delhi on March 19 to ask the Union government to announce ensured supply of 35 kg of food grains at a rate of Rs 2 a kg through public distribution system for the entire country.
He accused the UPA government of “manufacturing a majority” in Parliament with the support of parties that were not part of UPA.
