The Hindu : Advani favours death penalty for rapists

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 27, 2002

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Advani favours death penalty for rapists

By Javed M. Ansari

NEW DELHI NOV. 26. The Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, today came out in favour of the death penalty for rapists. Intervening during question hour in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Advani said the Government was in favour of the death penalty for rapists and was prepared to enact a law for this after consulting the State Governments and the political parties.

The proceedings came to life during question hour on the issue of crime against women. The demand was initially made by Renuka Chaudhary (Cong.) who called for a law that provided for the death penalty for the crime of rape. She said that denying women 33 per cent reservation also amounted to `rape' and urged the Government to implement the measure immediately. She was supported by Margaret Alva (Cong.) and Renuka Kumari (Samata Party) who said the law on domestic violence was flawed and called for urgent action on the part of the Government to remedy it.

Responding to the queries raised by the women members, Mr. Advani said the Government was in favour of enacting such a law but it would like to consult women's organisations, the State Governments and political parties on it.

The Minister of State for Home, I.D. Swami, told the members that the Cabinet had amended the Evidence Act, in which the character of a woman could not form the basis of evidence.

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