Govt decision to amend law of 'rape'

what will be its benefit?
Is it just to change the mind set up of Indian society or anything else?

The mindset of people may change. The definition of rape at present is very unsatisfactory. Even if a man has caused sexual abuse but has not penetrated her, this is not called rape. After change, any sort of sexually oriented conduct with a man, woman or child- even if there is no penetration, will be covered. Instead of rape, the new term will be 'sexual abuse'. Presently, a man cannot be raped. After change, even sexual abuse of a man or boy in any manner will be covered.

The Government have come out with Draft amendment to penal provisions on rape. Now 'rape' is being renamed as 'sexual assault'. This will not be gender neutral as expected earlier. Only the definition of 'sexual assault' will be broader than 'rape'. Sexual assault will include besides forced sex, acts like inserting finger in a woman's mouth, or putting tongue in her mouth while kissing her. The proposed amendment is being circulated for getting public opinion.

My view is that the definition should be gender free so that a woman could also be prosecuted for such offenses against other women or men. This is necessary in view of lesbianism and homosexuality. The women are also in dominating position and they may sexually exploit their juniors.

Irrespective of whether penetration has occurred or not, the trauma that a victim experiences is no less equal than the actual act act of forced sex. hence this move is extremely welcome.

The name is changed. Nothing else is changed. It is like misleading public.. Whether it is child or women, public consider it as rape only...

A Welcome Move from the Govt. The Word Rape itself causes lot of bad impression on the victim.

I think the proposed amendment is a welcome change and by changing the nomenclature of this kind of crimes the government is acknowledging the need to broaden this category beyond rape.

I hope this is a good change if it is implemented in the correct way and the purpose of the law is achieved.

That's right Meean, only thing that needs to be ensured is that it is not misused by people to spite someone or to avenge differences between people!

That is the most important thing,many a law exist in the statute book but how many are implemented as envisioned by the law-makers!

Right Chinmoy- Implementation is the main issue. The mafia, money, muscle power always escape law. Justice has been done in some cases on intervening role of media. Not only law but public awakening is also necessary.

Good night Chninmoy and all.

Yes,things can only change for the better when people become or made aware of their rights and their true enforcement.

Good night to you,Gulshan!

Yes,things can only change for the better when people become or made aware of their rights and their true enforcement.

Good night to you,Gulshan!

Yes through rape a "woman" figure is coming to mind always.By the new term it may extinct.

Let us see whether this terminological improvement would bring about any significant change in the ground realities.We are a nation which loves to play with words.

Terminological change does not affect the ground reality. We need to bring about real gender equality and do away with double standards.

Terminology has no matter.But it is a step to rethink and law updation.

Absolutely right Gulshan! We need serious enforcement of laws to bring the guilty to book.

Indian Penal Code was designed years ago.It is time to introduce new punishments in it.

Abid- Presently, there are three punishments in I.P.C. Imprisonment- simple or rigorous for certain number of years or life, fine and death penalty. Death penalty is rare and generally the sentence is of imprisonment or fine or both.

What new punishments you suggest. should Kala Pani (Banishment) and flogging be introduced?