Rape Law Reforms in India A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Delhi gang-rape case was the catalyst for the reforms in the law regarding sexual offenses in India. After the massive protests, Justice Verma Committee was formed and on its recommendations, first an Ordinance was promulgated and later Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 was passed. The purpose and goal of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 was to tackle rising crimes of sexual violence against women in India. But the big question remains that how effective this new law will be to deal with the present issue at hand. newlineOn close study of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 it is evident without doubt that some critical areas are still left unresolved and unattended. If we look at the background of the law reform, it is very clear that there was a lot of pressure on the government from the public, civil society and media. The pressure on the government was to do something and do it fast. So it appears that because of haste and paucity of time many critical areas are left attended and unresolved. newline