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J-K Governor promulgates ordinance providing death sentence for rape of minor girl

While according approval to the ordinance, Governor NN Vohra advised stringent enforcement of law

J-K Governor promulgates ordinance providing death sentence for rape of minor girl

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra (Photo: PIB)

Governor NN Vohra on Thursday promulgated an ordinance in Jammu and Kashmir with which there will be provision of death sentence for those involved in rape of girls below the age of 12.

While according approval to the ordinance, the Governor advised stringent enforcement by the Home Department which should establish a system for regular monitoring of all rape cases.

In view of the surge in violence against women in general and sexual violence in particular in various parts of the country, including the state of J-K, a need was felt to carry out certain amendments in the criminal laws.

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The ordinance provides rigorous imprisonment for 20 years and may extend to life sentence, which shall mean remainder of natural life of person committing rape on a woman under sixteen years of age.

Committing Rape on a woman under 12 years of age has been made punishable with death sentence; gang rape on a woman under 16 years of age has been made punishable with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life; gang rape on woman under 12 years of age has been made punishable with death sentence.

The ordinance provides that investigation in such cases is to be completed within a period of two months; trial to be completed within six months and reasons for any delay shall need to be communicated to the high court; and it has been provided that no bail shall be granted without hearing the public prosecutor.

The ordinance makes it mandatory for the educational institutions to ensure safety and protection of children and not to expose them to any kind of sexual abuse and setting up of special courts for speedy trial of such cases.

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