Improved laws, longer jail term after public outcry

After a public outcry following the December 16 gang rape and murder, the Parliament passed the Criminal Law (amendment) Act in 2013 which widened the definition of rape and made the punishment more severe.

The Act, which came into effect on April 2, 2013, not only increased jail terms in most cases but also provided for the death penalty in rape cases that cause death of the victim or leaves her in a vegetative state.

The Parliament had passed the law on the recommendation of Justice JS Verma committee, which was constituted to re-look the criminal laws in the country and recommend changes .

It also created new offences, such as causing grievous hurt through acid attacks, sexual harassment, use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe, voyeurism and stalking.

The punishment for gang rape was increased to 20 years to life imprisonment from the earlier 10 years to life imprisonment.

Earlier, there was no specific provision in law for offences such as use of unwelcome physical contact, words or gestures, demand or request for sexual favours, showing pornography against the will of a woman or making sexual remarks. But, the 2013 Act clearly defined these offences and allocated punishment . Similarly, stalking was made punishable with up to three years in jail. Punishment for acid attack was increased to 10 years. Rape cases

Assault to outrage modesty

Insult to modesty of women

Kidnapping of women

Abduction of women