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KishanKushwah
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Madam, in respect of this Bill, along with the amendments which have been brought from the side of the Government after discussion yesterday, broadly we welcome the Bill itself. But this should have been discussed amongst the Chief Ministers of the various States. They are the implementing agency. It is being done very expeditiously but much discussion is needed in this Bill. Every citizen including a woman has the right to live with dignity and honor which is guaranteed in Article 21 of the Constitution. Sexual harassment like even eve-teasing of woman amounts to violation of rights guaranteed under Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India. For meaningful rights within the ambit of Article 21 of the Constitution, every woman is entitled to enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political rights without discrimination. The primary concern both at international and at the national level is about devastating increase in rape cases and cases relating to crime against woman. India is no exception to that. Sexual violence is not only an unlawful invasion of the right of privacy and sanctity of the woman but a serious blow to the honour. It leaves a traumatic and humiliating impression for her conscience, offending her self-esteem and dignity. Rape is not only a crime against the woman, it is a crime against the entire society itself. It leaves a scar on the most cherished possession of a woman, that is, her dignity, honor, reputation and not the least her chastity. It destroys the entire psychology of a woman and pushes her into a deep emotional crisis. It is a crime against basic human rights and also violates the victim’s cherished rights. In that context, today is a very important day because this Bill has come. This Bill is the most demanding Bill which has come today. It really needs support in the sense of the term but here we have certain points. We have given certain amendments. Those amendments are also similar to the amendments of the Government. Madam, experience says that these types of offenses are sometimes seriously abused. Today, the experience says that the offenses in relation to clauses 490 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code are seriously abused in our country itself. This should not be abused. If it is abused, it would be totally insignificant. If it is not abused, if it is properly exercised in proper cases, it will really uphold the dignity and the right of the woman itself. What I believe is that one’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered. Therefore, if a woman wants to keep her dignity in the country itself, she must resist herself from lodging unnecessary complaints. She should not abuse the power which has been in the Act itself. A very stringent Act has come in respect of clause 376. That should be done but the point is that the implementation is needed. From the House, we can pass a Bill but implementation rests with the implementing agency. We have a sufficient law. But the unfortunate part is that implementation is not being done. The implementing agency should be very much cautioned and respective States should come up with an appropriate law in service matters. If the implementing agency does not implement the Act itself, they should proceed against the implementing officer itself. Madam, today, there is a need for a wide circulation of these laws. We have seen that various amendments have come for the age to be from 16 years to 18 years, with consent. Even with consent, as the law stands today, if an amendment comes, it will be 18 years. If there is any physical contact, that would be coming within the purview of the rape itself. How many children know about this law? Therefore, this law has to be circulated. It is not enough if just the law has been passed. But a wide circulation of this law is required to be made. People have to be made educated in respect of this law itself from the village to the top level, whether he or she is uneducated or educated. A wise circulation of this law is needed. People of this country are to be educated up to 18 years of age, even a physical relationship comes within the purview of the rape. I therefore, propose that a course should be introduced in the appropriate institution for the children above the age of 14 years mentioning about the offenses. They must know what the offenses are. The children don't know about the offenses. There cannot be any excuse for a rapist in this country. If a rapist is there, he should be properly punished. When it is required, he should be hanged. In the case of, first time offense, it should be up to 14 years; in the case of second time offense, it may be a life imprisonment till natural death or death penalty.