Debate rages over castration of child sex abusers
number of crimes against children despite the stringent law — Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) — that came into effect in 2012.
The Act prescribes a minimum 10-year jail term for child rape and maximum life imprisonment, while the punishment for gangrape of a child ranges between a 20-year jail term to life imprisonment.
Chemical castration, which involves the person taking a host of drugs to inhibit sexual urges, has been used in countries such as Israel, the UK and many states in the US. However, its success and impact remain controversial.
Justice SN Dhingra, a former Delhi HC judge said, “Chemical castration can’t be the only form of punishment. But it can certainly be considered along with a jail term.”
“Any punishment which comes after so many years won’t serve the purpose. What is needed is quick investigation and timebound trial. We need specialised courts and prosecutors who are sensible and know how to deal with victims of child sex abuse,” justice Dhingra added. US: Depending from state to state, the maximum punishment for child rapists in the US can go up to death penalty. Several states allow for chemical castration. Florida allows sentenced prisoners to choose surgical castration in lieu of prison time. Other states allow castration of repeat molesters. These are California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin. Texas and Louisiana also give the convict the option of cutting off the testes, where 95 percent of testosterone is produced. UK: Maximum punishment for child rapists in the UK is life imprisonment. The nation also offers child molesters and repeat offenders a reduced prison time on the condition that they get chemical castration. ARGENTINA: In March 2010, a province in Argentina, Mendoza, approved a law allowing for voluntary chemical castration of rapists who would then get reduced sentences. ISRAEL: Maximum punishment for child rapists in Israel is 20 years. The country allows for chemical castration for child molesters. In May 2009, two brothers from Haifa — convicted child rapists — agreed to undergo chemical castration to avoid committing further crimes. UAE: Maximum punishment for child rapists in the UAE is death. The nation uses chemical castration (to “treat” homosexuality and on child rapists).
POCSO Act prescribes a minimum 10-year jail term for child rape and maximum life imprisonment while the punishment for gangrape of a child ranges between a 20-year jail term to life imprisonment. Chemical castration is not prescribed as punishment.