<p>Convicts of 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case may file a curative petition challenging capital punishment.</p>

<p>The counsel for the convicts, Advocate Dr. AP Singh on Saturday told the Patiala House Court that a curative petition might be filed by the convicts challenging the capital punishment given to them by the Apex court.</p>

<p>Tihar jail authorities have also communicated to the court that the convicts might file a curative petition soon challenging the capital punishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The jail authorities have to file a status report in the case on next date of hearing, April 6.</p>

<p>This comes a month after; Nirbhaya`s parents moved a plea in the court seeking to expedite the execution of the four convicts in the case.</p>

<p>On July 9, 2018, the Supreme Court had rejected review petitions filed by three of the four convicts in the horrific 2012 gangrape and murder of a young paramedic in Delhi.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court had on May 5, 2017, upheld death sentences awarded by a trial court and confirmed by the Delhi High Court to the four convicts - Mukesh, 29, Pawan Gupta, 22, Vinay Sharma, 23, and Akshay Kumar Singh, 31.In 2012, &nbsp;the 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons.</p>

<p>The victim, who was severely assaulted, was thrown out on the road along with her male friend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She succumbed to injuries at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on December 29, where she had been airlifted for medical treatment. &nbsp;</p>


Convicts of 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case may file a curative petition challenging capital punishment. The counsel for the convicts, Advocate Dr. AP Singh on Saturday told the Patiala House Court that a curative petition might be filed by the convicts challenging the capital punishment given to them by the Apex court.

Convicts of 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case may file a curative petition challenging capital punishment. The counsel for the convicts, Advocate Dr. AP Singh on Saturday told the Patiala House Court that a curative petition might be filed by the convicts challenging the capital punishment given to them by the Apex court. Tihar jail authorities have also communicated to the court that the convicts might file a curative petition soon challenging the capital punishment. The jail authorities have to file a status report in the case on next date of hearing, April 6. This comes a month after; Nirbhaya`s parents moved a plea in the court seeking to expedite the execution of the four convicts in the case. On July 9, 2018, the Supreme Court had rejected review petitions filed by three of the four convicts in the horrific 2012 gangrape and murder of a young paramedic in Delhi. The Supreme Court had on May 5, 2017, upheld death sentences awarded by a trial court and confirmed by the Delhi High Court to the four convicts - Mukesh, 29, Pawan Gupta, 22, Vinay Sharma, 23, and Akshay Kumar Singh, 31.In 2012, the 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons. The victim, who was severely assaulted, was thrown out on the road along with her male friend. She succumbed to injuries at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on December 29, where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.

Nirbhaya case: Convicts may file curative petition in court

<p>The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on the plea of two condemned convicts--Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta--seeking a review of the 2017 verdict by which they, along with two others, were awarded death penalty in the sensational December 16, 2012 gangrape cum murder case here.&nbsp</p>

<p>The apex court had on May 5, 2017, upheld the verdict of the Delhi High Court and the trial court awarding the capital punishment to four convicts--Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) for gangraping a 23-year-old student inside a moving bus in South Delhi.</p>

<p>A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan heard the arguments on behalf of condemned convicts Vinay and Pawan.</p>

<p>It asked senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Delhi Police, and lawyer A P Singh, counsel for the two convicts, to file their written submissions by next Tuesday.</p>

<p>The bench had earlier reserved its verdict on the review petition filed by convict Mukesh. The review petition on behalf of Akshay is yet to be filed.</p>

<p>The paramedic student was gangraped on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a moving bus in South Delhi by a gang of six persons and severely assaulted before being thrown out on the road naked. She succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.</p>

<p>Another accused in the case, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail, while a convicted juvenile has come out of the reformation home after serving a three-year term.</p>


A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan heard the arguments on behalf of condemned convicts Vinay and Pawan

The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on the plea of two condemned convicts--Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta--seeking a review of the 2017 verdict by which they, along with two others, were awarded death penalty in the sensational December 16, 2012 gangrape cum murder case here. The apex court had on May 5, 2017, upheld the verdict of the Delhi High Court and the trial court awarding the capital punishment to four convicts--Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) for gangraping a 23-year-old student inside a moving bus in South Delhi. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan heard the arguments on behalf of condemned convicts Vinay and Pawan. It asked senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Delhi Police, and lawyer A P Singh, counsel for the two convicts, to file their written submissions by next Tuesday. The bench had earlier reserved its verdict on the review petition filed by convict Mukesh. The review petition on behalf of Akshay is yet to be filed. The paramedic student was gangraped on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a moving bus in South Delhi by a gang of six persons and severely assaulted before being thrown out on the road naked. She succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Another accused in the case, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail, while a convicted juvenile has come out of the reformation home after serving a three-year term.

Supreme Court reserves order on review plea by 2 convicts of Nirbhaya case

<p>Former Karnataka DGP HT Sangliana, who has been criticised for his insensitive remarks at a function where he said the Delhi gang-rape and murder victim&#39;s mother, Asha Devi, had a good physique has defended his stance.</p>

<p>The former cop had said that &nbsp;Asha Devi, the mother of the Delhi 16 gang-rape and murder victim, had a &lsquo;great physique&rsquo; and he could &lsquo;just imagine how beautiful her daughter would have been.&rsquo;</p>

<p>Sangliana, on Friday, issued another statement justifying his stand.</p>

<p>&quot;I consider my statement to be totally within the limit and I feel people are making an issue out of a non-issue. I said it in order to emphasise the importance of protection &amp; security to women, they should be given protection at all times,&quot; Sangliana said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I said it in order to emphasise the importance of protection &amp; security to women, they should be given protection at all times: HT Sangliana, former Karnataka DGP on his comment that 2012 delhi rape victim&#39;s mother had &#39;good physique&#39; <a href="https://t.co/KnKKffA18Q">pic.twitter.com/KnKKffA18Q</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974586638629253120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Nirbhaya&#39;s mother, Asha Devi, also criticised the former cops comment and said:&nbsp;It would have been better if he had spoken about our struggle than making a personal remark. It shows that people&#39;s mentalities in our society has not changed.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It would have been better if he had spoken about our struggle than making a personal remark. It shows that people&#39;s mentalities in our society has not changed: Asha Devi, Mother of 2012 Delhi gangrape victim over former Karnataka DGP HT Sangliana&#39;s remarks <a href="https://t.co/F5VY5Z1sD0">pic.twitter.com/F5VY5Z1sD0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974615509269442562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>In a video shot at the Nirbhaya Awards 2018 in Bengaluru on March 8, Sangliana is seen reading from a prepared speech, which reeks of patriarchy. &ldquo;When I look at her (Nirbhaya&rsquo;s mother), her physique is very very nice. Then how beautiful Nirbhaya could have been,&rdquo; he says.</p>

<p>Stating that &ldquo;people like Nirbhaya attracted the attention of miscreants&rdquo;, the former top cop also offered what he called as &ldquo;safety tips for women&rdquo;, which attendees say was equally disgusting and rendered them speechless.</p>

<p>&ldquo;If you are overpowered, you should surrender initially and later follow up the case. That way we can be safe, save life and prevent being killed,&rdquo; Sangilana stated.</p>

<p>The comments sparked a massive row, with activists and journalists present at the event marking their protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 23-year-old paramedical student was brutally gang-raped by five men and a juvenile on a moving bus in Delhi on December 16, 2012. The incident shocked the nation, with many stepping out to protest across the country seeking safety for women and stricter punishment for rapists.</p>

<p>All the six accused were later held and were awarded death sentence by the court. One of the accused, Ram Singh, committed suicide in jail while the juvenile was released after completing mandatory probation period in a remand home.</p>

<p>Five years since the incident, remaining accused persons are yet to hanged.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The former cop had said that Asha Devi, the mother of the Delhi 16 gang-rape and murder victim, had a ‘great physique’ and he could ‘just imagine how beautiful her daughter would have been’

Former Karnataka DGP HT Sangliana, who has been criticised for his insensitive remarks at a function where he said the Delhi gang-rape and murder victim's mother, Asha Devi, had a good physique has defended his stance. The former cop had said that Asha Devi, the mother of the Delhi 16 gang-rape and murder victim, had a ‘great physique’ and he could ‘just imagine how beautiful her daughter would have been.’ Sangliana, on Friday, issued another statement justifying his stand. "I consider my statement to be totally within the limit and I feel people are making an issue out of a non-issue. I said it in order to emphasise the importance of protection & security to women, they should be given protection at all times," Sangliana said. I said it in order to emphasise the importance of protection & security to women, they should be given protection at all times: HT Sangliana, former Karnataka DGP on his comment that 2012 delhi rape victim's mother had 'good physique' pic.twitter.com/KnKKffA18Q — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Nirbhaya's mother, Asha Devi, also criticised the former cops comment and said: It would have been better if he had spoken about our struggle than making a personal remark. It shows that people's mentalities in our society has not changed." It would have been better if he had spoken about our struggle than making a personal remark. It shows that people's mentalities in our society has not changed: Asha Devi, Mother of 2012 Delhi gangrape victim over former Karnataka DGP HT Sangliana's remarks pic.twitter.com/F5VY5Z1sD0 — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × In a video shot at the Nirbhaya Awards 2018 in Bengaluru on March 8, Sangliana is seen reading from a prepared speech, which reeks of patriarchy. “When I look at her (Nirbhaya’s mother), her physique is very very nice. Then how beautiful Nirbhaya could have been,” he says. Stating that “people like Nirbhaya attracted the attention of miscreants”, the former top cop also offered what he called as “safety tips for women”, which attendees say was equally disgusting and rendered them speechless. “If you are overpowered, you should surrender initially and later follow up the case. That way we can be safe, save life and prevent being killed,” Sangilana stated. The comments sparked a massive row, with activists and journalists present at the event marking their protest. A 23-year-old paramedical student was brutally gang-raped by five men and a juvenile on a moving bus in Delhi on December 16, 2012. The incident shocked the nation, with many stepping out to protest across the country seeking safety for women and stricter punishment for rapists. All the six accused were later held and were awarded death sentence by the court. One of the accused, Ram Singh, committed suicide in jail while the juvenile was released after completing mandatory probation period in a remand home. Five years since the incident, remaining accused persons are yet to hanged.

Ex-Karnataka DGP defends comment on Nirbhaya's mother's 'good physique'

<p>In a disturbing incident in Bengal, a girl was brutally gang-raped in South Dinajpur.</p>

<p>The 18-year-old was abducted by six to seven people and gang-raped with such brutality that even her genitals were pulled out.</p>

<p>The girl had at the time been returning from a local fair at Kushmandi village. She was left to die after the assault on her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She was however spotted by some locals who took her to the nearest hospital.</p>

<p>The girl is in critical condition and has been referred to Malda Medical College.</p>

<p>Police have recorded her statement and so far one person has been arrested and one has detained.</p>

<p>Further investigations are underway.</p>


The girl was abducted by six to seven people

In a disturbing incident in Bengal, a girl was brutally gang-raped in South Dinajpur. The 18-year-old was abducted by six to seven people and gang-raped with such brutality that even her genitals were pulled out. The girl had at the time been returning from a local fair at Kushmandi village. She was left to die after the assault on her. She was however spotted by some locals who took her to the nearest hospital. The girl is in critical condition and has been referred to Malda Medical College. Police have recorded her statement and so far one person has been arrested and one has detained. Further investigations are underway.

Another Nirbhaya in Bengal: 18-year-old gang-raped, genitals pulled out

<p>More than five rape cases were reported on an average every day in the national capital last year, and in most incidents, the accused was known to the victim, according to Delhi Police data.</p>

<p>In 2017, 2,049 rape cases were reported as opposed to 2,064 in 2016.</p>

<p>As many as 3,273 molestation cases were reported last year in comparison to 4,035 in 2016, according to the statistics shared by Delhi Police.</p>

<p>The cases of eve-teasing declined from 894 in 2016 to 621 last year, it said.</p>

<p>Almost 92 per cent of the rape cases were solved as opposed to 86 per cent in 2016, the statistics said.</p>

<p>Eighty-three per cent of the molestation cases were worked out in 2017 as compared to 72 per cent in 2016.</p>

<p>Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik said that a host of initiatives were taken for women&#39;s safety as it was a priority focus area for them.</p>

<p>&quot;Under the banner of &#39;Sashakti&#39;, extensive self-defence training was imparted by our trainers and around 2 lakh girls were covered in 2017,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Some of the other initiatives included ensuring high- visibility of police personnel in vulnerable areas, introduction of women patrols and making &#39;Himmat&#39; app bilingual and more user-friendly, the police chief said.</p>

<p>He attributed the decrease in the crimes against women to these initiatives.</p>

<p>The police also kept a constant liaison with civic authorities apprising them of the dark and lonely stretches in the city.</p>

<p>The district police took strict action against drinking in public places, which often acts as a precursor to crime against women, with as many as 23,094 people being arrested for the offence, the police said.</p>

<p>The police claimed that in 96.63 per cent of the rape cases the accused was known to the victim, with friends or family friends being the perpetrators in 38.99 per cent of the cases.</p>

<p>Neighbours were the accused in 19.08 per cent of the cases and relatives were involved in 14.20 per cent of the cases.</p>

<p>Employers or co-workers were the perpetrators in 3.86 per cent of the cases, the statistics said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The police claimed that in 96.63 per cent of the rape cases the accused was known to the victim, with friends or family friends being the perpetrators in 38.99 per cent of the cases

More than five rape cases were reported on an average every day in the national capital last year, and in most incidents, the accused was known to the victim, according to Delhi Police data. In 2017, 2,049 rape cases were reported as opposed to 2,064 in 2016. As many as 3,273 molestation cases were reported last year in comparison to 4,035 in 2016, according to the statistics shared by Delhi Police. The cases of eve-teasing declined from 894 in 2016 to 621 last year, it said. Almost 92 per cent of the rape cases were solved as opposed to 86 per cent in 2016, the statistics said. Eighty-three per cent of the molestation cases were worked out in 2017 as compared to 72 per cent in 2016. Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik said that a host of initiatives were taken for women's safety as it was a priority focus area for them. "Under the banner of 'Sashakti', extensive self-defence training was imparted by our trainers and around 2 lakh girls were covered in 2017," he said. Some of the other initiatives included ensuring high- visibility of police personnel in vulnerable areas, introduction of women patrols and making 'Himmat' app bilingual and more user-friendly, the police chief said. He attributed the decrease in the crimes against women to these initiatives. The police also kept a constant liaison with civic authorities apprising them of the dark and lonely stretches in the city. The district police took strict action against drinking in public places, which often acts as a precursor to crime against women, with as many as 23,094 people being arrested for the offence, the police said. The police claimed that in 96.63 per cent of the rape cases the accused was known to the victim, with friends or family friends being the perpetrators in 38.99 per cent of the cases. Neighbours were the accused in 19.08 per cent of the cases and relatives were involved in 14.20 per cent of the cases. Employers or co-workers were the perpetrators in 3.86 per cent of the cases, the statistics said.

Over five rape cases reported every day in Delhi in 2017

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party today alleged that supporters of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari today &quot;scuttled&quot; a programme being held in the memory of Nirbhaya and also hooted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while he was speaking.</p>

<p>The AAP also accused the BJP of politicising the event held at the Constitution Club here.</p>

<p>&quot;Extremely shameful of BJP and its officials including PA to @ManojTiwariMP and spokesperson @RaviBabbarbjp for scuttling a programme being held in the memory of late Nirbhaya! Delhi will never forgive @BJP4India for this,&quot; the party&#39;s twitter handle said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">?????? ???????..<br />
<br />
??????? ?? ??????????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ????????? ??? ????? ?? ????? <a href="https://twitter.com/ManojTiwariMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManojTiwariMP</a> ?? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ????? ?? ? ????? ??? ??? ????????? ?? ???????? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ??, <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> ?? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ! <a href="https://t.co/jNd8lNpeoC">pic.twitter.com/jNd8lNpeoC</a></p>
&mdash; AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/942026373153116160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>On December 12, 2012, Nirbhaya, a physiotherapy student was gang-raped in a moving bus, and dumped on the streets under the cover of darkness in south Delhi, sparking outrage, with many citizens taking to streets. She succumbed to her injuries on December 16, 2012.</p>

<p>Rejecting the charge, Tiwari said he had been asked by the organisers not to bring politics into his speech and he adhered to it.</p>

<p>&quot;When I learnt about the hooting, I condemned the incident. But if people are hooting at Kejriwal then this is worrisome. I am sad that Kejriwal did not take the Nirbhaya Day seriously,&quot; the BJP MP said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, BJP workers showed black flags to Kejriwal at event in Mukundpur where he had gone to inaugurate a flyover.</p>

<p>The BJP alleged that Kejriwal politicised the event and local MP Manoj Tiwari was not even informed about it.</p>


The Aam Aadmi Party today alleged that supporters of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari today "scuttled" a programme being held in the memory of Nirbhaya and also hooted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while he was speaking

The Aam Aadmi Party today alleged that supporters of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari today "scuttled" a programme being held in the memory of Nirbhaya and also hooted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while he was speaking. The AAP also accused the BJP of politicising the event held at the Constitution Club here. "Extremely shameful of BJP and its officials including PA to @ManojTiwariMP and spokesperson @RaviBabbarbjp for scuttling a programme being held in the memory of late Nirbhaya! Delhi will never forgive @BJP4India for this," the party's twitter handle said. ?????? ???????.. ??????? ?? ??????????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ????????? ??? ????? ?? ????? @ManojTiwariMP ?? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ?? ????? ?? ? ????? ??? ??? ????????? ?? ???????? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ??, @BJP4India ?? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ????? ??????? ?????? ??? ! pic.twitter.com/jNd8lNpeoC — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 16, 2017 × On December 12, 2012, Nirbhaya, a physiotherapy student was gang-raped in a moving bus, and dumped on the streets under the cover of darkness in south Delhi, sparking outrage, with many citizens taking to streets. She succumbed to her injuries on December 16, 2012. Rejecting the charge, Tiwari said he had been asked by the organisers not to bring politics into his speech and he adhered to it. "When I learnt about the hooting, I condemned the incident. But if people are hooting at Kejriwal then this is worrisome. I am sad that Kejriwal did not take the Nirbhaya Day seriously," the BJP MP said. Earlier in the day, BJP workers showed black flags to Kejriwal at event in Mukundpur where he had gone to inaugurate a flyover. The BJP alleged that Kejriwal politicised the event and local MP Manoj Tiwari was not even informed about it.

BJP supporters scuttle programme in memory of Nirbhaya: AAP

<p>Today, December 16, 2017, marks the fifth anniversary of the &ldquo;Nirbhaya&rdquo; Delhi gangrape case.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Among the six accused, Ram Singh - the driver of the bus, allegedly committed suicide on 11 March 2013 in Tihar jail. The others were tried in a fast track court. All five accused were convicted of rape and murder.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The juvenile, however, was given a maximum sentence of three years of imprisonment in reform facility while the remaining four were sentenced to death by hanging.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The medical reports had shown that a blunt object (subjected to be iron rod) was used for attacking the private part of the victim. According to the police, the rod was rusted, L-shaped of the type used as a wheel jack handle.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Reports said that one of the accused men admitted to having seen a rope-like object being pulled out of the woman&rsquo;s body by one of his companions. It was widely believed the juvenile was behind the heinous act.</p>

<p>&nbsp;A juvenile is now a free man, roaming the streets having served out his time at the reform facility.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The brutal gangrape of the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in 2012 had led to huge protests in the national capital and had shaken the nation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;As a result, a judicial committee was set up to study and take public suggestions for the best ways to amend laws and provide quicker investigation and prosecution of sex offenders.</p>

<p>&nbsp;In 2013, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance was passed by the then President Pranab Mukherjee. Fast-track courts were introduced to hear rape cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Justice Verma Committee submitted a report on January 23, 2013 to the government.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The report recommended amendments to the Criminal Law to provide speedy trial and punishment for criminals in sexual assault cases.</p>

<p>&nbsp;It made recommendations on laws relating to rape, sexual harassment, trafficking, child sexual abuse, medical examination of victims, police, electoral and educational reforms.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Key recommendations by the committee:</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The report stressed that rape should not be limited to penetration of the vagina, mouth or anus and added that any non-consensual penetration of a sexual nature should be included in the definition of rape.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stating that the relation between the victim and the accused should not be seen, the committee recommended that the exception to marital rape should be removed.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It also recommended that use of words, acts or gestures that create an unwelcome threat of a sexual nature should be termed as &ldquo;sexual assault&rdquo; and be punishable with 1 year of imprisonment or fine or both.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It suggested a punishment of imprisonment for 10 years or life to criminalise trafficking by threat, force or inducement. It also recommended criminalising employment of a trafficked person.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It said that death penalty should not be awarded for the offense of rape, instead recommended life imprisonment for rape. It based its argument saying there was considerable evidence that death penalty was not a deterrence to serious crimes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It recommended the discontinuation of the two-finger test which is conducted to determine the laxity of the vaginal muscles.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It recognised voyeurism, molestation to be punished with imprisonment up to seven years while stalking or unwanted attempts to contact a person repeatedly up to three years.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The recommendations were based after a rigorous investigation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;While investigating, the committee realised that a major loophole existed at the level of registering an FIR. It, therefore, recommended reforms in police and FIR structure.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The Commission said that rape crises cells should be set up at every police station to enable legal assistance to the survivor.</p>

<p>&nbsp;It ordered almost all big cities to install CCTV cameras in police stations.</p>

<p>&nbsp;In addition, it recommended women cops to be posted at police stations to handle sexual offenses and police personnel to be trained specifically to deal with gender crimes.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Q_L_9ZyLGA"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Women safety in India is a big concern and on the fifth anniversary of the Delhi gang rape, we look at what&#39;s changed and what hasn&#39;t. Watch this video for more information (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Today,?December 16, 2017, marks the fifth anniversary of the 'Nirbhaya' Delhi gangrape case

Today, December 16, 2017, marks the fifth anniversary of the “Nirbhaya” Delhi gangrape case. Among the six accused, Ram Singh - the driver of the bus, allegedly committed suicide on 11 March 2013 in Tihar jail. The others were tried in a fast track court. All five accused were convicted of rape and murder. The juvenile, however, was given a maximum sentence of three years of imprisonment in reform facility while the remaining four were sentenced to death by hanging. The medical reports had shown that a blunt object (subjected to be iron rod) was used for attacking the private part of the victim. According to the police, the rod was rusted, L-shaped of the type used as a wheel jack handle. Reports said that one of the accused men admitted to having seen a rope-like object being pulled out of the woman’s body by one of his companions. It was widely believed the juvenile was behind the heinous act. A juvenile is now a free man, roaming the streets having served out his time at the reform facility. The brutal gangrape of the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in 2012 had led to huge protests in the national capital and had shaken the nation. As a result, a judicial committee was set up to study and take public suggestions for the best ways to amend laws and provide quicker investigation and prosecution of sex offenders. In 2013, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance was passed by the then President Pranab Mukherjee. Fast-track courts were introduced to hear rape cases. Justice Verma Committee submitted a report on January 23, 2013 to the government. The report recommended amendments to the Criminal Law to provide speedy trial and punishment for criminals in sexual assault cases. It made recommendations on laws relating to rape, sexual harassment, trafficking, child sexual abuse, medical examination of victims, police, electoral and educational reforms. Key recommendations by the committee: · The report stressed that rape should not be limited to penetration of the vagina, mouth or anus and added that any non-consensual penetration of a sexual nature should be included in the definition of rape. · Stating that the relation between the victim and the accused should not be seen, the committee recommended that the exception to marital rape should be removed. · It also recommended that use of words, acts or gestures that create an unwelcome threat of a sexual nature should be termed as “sexual assault” and be punishable with 1 year of imprisonment or fine or both. · It suggested a punishment of imprisonment for 10 years or life to criminalise trafficking by threat, force or inducement. It also recommended criminalising employment of a trafficked person. · It said that death penalty should not be awarded for the offense of rape, instead recommended life imprisonment for rape. It based its argument saying there was considerable evidence that death penalty was not a deterrence to serious crimes. · It recommended the discontinuation of the two-finger test which is conducted to determine the laxity of the vaginal muscles. · It recognised voyeurism, molestation to be punished with imprisonment up to seven years while stalking or unwanted attempts to contact a person repeatedly up to three years. The recommendations were based after a rigorous investigation. While investigating, the committee realised that a major loophole existed at the level of registering an FIR. It, therefore, recommended reforms in police and FIR structure. The Commission said that rape crises cells should be set up at every police station to enable legal assistance to the survivor. It ordered almost all big cities to install CCTV cameras in police stations. In addition, it recommended women cops to be posted at police stations to handle sexual offenses and police personnel to be trained specifically to deal with gender crimes. Women safety in India is a big concern and on the fifth anniversary of the Delhi gang rape, we look at what's changed and what hasn't. Watch this video for more information (WION) ×

'Nirbhaya' Delhi gangrape case: A judicial perspective

<p>&quot;Even after 5 years, her culprits are alive. If justice isn&#39;t served on time, people cease to be scared of law,&quot; Nirbhaya&#39;s mother told media today as the horrific incident of the 23-year-old medical student completed its fifth year today.</p>

<p>People from all across the country continue to express their deep regret over the unfortunate incident also remembering Nirbhaya&#39;s indomitable spirit that lives on in every Indian.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Q_L_9ZyLGA"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Women safety in India is a big concern and on the fifth anniversary of the Delhi gang rape, we look at what&#39;s changed and what hasn&#39;t. Watch this video for more information (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&quot;A strong law needs to be formulated &amp; mindset of everyone, be it a politician or a common man, needs to be changed,&quot; noted Nirbhaya&#39;s mother.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even after 5 years, her culprits are alive. If justice isn&#39;t served on time, people cease to be scared of law. A strong law needs to be formulated &amp; mindset of everyone, be it a politician or a common man, needs to be changed: Asha Devi, Mother of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nirbhaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nirbhaya</a> <a href="https://t.co/IsCFi4T5dA">pic.twitter.com/IsCFi4T5dA</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941880423101079552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&quot;We cannot her compensate her loss but let us resolve to keep our society safe,&quot; tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remembering <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nirbhaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nirbhaya</a> on the 5th anniversary of brutal Delhi incident. We cannot compensate her loss but let us resolve to keep our society safe</p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/941881557802819584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>On May 5, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-death-row-convicts-file-review-plea-in-supreme-court-26882">Supreme Court</a> upheld the death penalty to the four convicts - Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31), saying the &quot;brutal, barbaric and diabolic nature&quot; of the crime could create a &quot;tsunami of shock&quot; to destroy a civilised society.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nirbhaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nirbhaya</a>, many a minor girls and grown-up women still suffer the ordeal that you fought valiantly. You are a symbol of strength in face of brutality and of hope that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViolenceAgainstWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViolenceAgainstWomen</a> can end and we should keep striving for that. <a href="https://t.co/aRLDFLOqz6">pic.twitter.com/aRLDFLOqz6</a></p>
&mdash; Mahila Congress (@MahilaCongress) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahilaCongress/status/941857194726662144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16, 2012, inside a moving bus in South Delhi by a gang of six persons.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CmcEgFXuESU" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Nirbhaya succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.&nbsp;</p>


People from all across the country continue to express their deep regret over the unfortunate incident also remembering Nirbhaya's indomitable spirit

"Even after 5 years, her culprits are alive. If justice isn't served on time, people cease to be scared of law," Nirbhaya's mother told media today as the horrific incident of the 23-year-old medical student completed its fifth year today. People from all across the country continue to express their deep regret over the unfortunate incident also remembering Nirbhaya's indomitable spirit that lives on in every Indian. Women safety in India is a big concern and on the fifth anniversary of the Delhi gang rape, we look at what's changed and what hasn't. Watch this video for more information (WION) × "A strong law needs to be formulated & mindset of everyone, be it a politician or a common man, needs to be changed," noted Nirbhaya's mother. Even after 5 years, her culprits are alive. If justice isn't served on time, people cease to be scared of law. A strong law needs to be formulated & mindset of everyone, be it a politician or a common man, needs to be changed: Asha Devi, Mother of #Nirbhaya pic.twitter.com/IsCFi4T5dA — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × "We cannot her compensate her loss but let us resolve to keep our society safe," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. Remembering #Nirbhaya on the 5th anniversary of brutal Delhi incident. We cannot compensate her loss but let us resolve to keep our society safe — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 16, 2017 × On May 5, the Supreme Court upheld the death penalty to the four convicts - Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31), saying the "brutal, barbaric and diabolic nature" of the crime could create a "tsunami of shock" to destroy a civilised society. Dear #Nirbhaya, many a minor girls and grown-up women still suffer the ordeal that you fought valiantly. You are a symbol of strength in face of brutality and of hope that #ViolenceAgainstWomen can end and we should keep striving for that. pic.twitter.com/aRLDFLOqz6 — Mahila Congress (@MahilaCongress) December 16, 2017 × The 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16, 2012, inside a moving bus in South Delhi by a gang of six persons. Nirbhaya succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

5 years of Nirbhaya case: Nation remembers 'Damini's' indomitable spirit

<p>Two of the four death row convicts in Nirbhaya case have&nbsp;filed a petition&nbsp;in the Supreme Court to review its verdict of sentencing them with capital punishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The duo through a review plea, filed through their advocate A P Singh, claimed that death penalty is a premeditated and &quot;cold-blooded killing&quot; of a human being by the state in the name of justice.</p>

<p>The review petition by convicts Vinay Sharma and Pawan Kumar followed shortly after the Supreme Court had closed its hearing on the review petition filed by convict Mukesh who also faces the death sentence. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition stated that the investigation into the matter was not only flawed but also unreliable as many facts of the investigation pertaining to recording of the dying declaration of the victim.</p>

<p>The apex court had on December 12 allowed the counsel to file review petition for another convict Akshay Singh and listed the matter for hearing on January 22.</p>

<p>The apex court had on May 5 upheld the death penalty to the four convicts - Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31), saying the &quot;brutal, barbaric and diabolic nature&quot; of the crime could create a &quot;tsunami of shock&quot; to destroy a civilised society.</p>

<p>Another accused in the case, Ram Singh, committed suicide in Tihar Jail, while another convicted juvenile has come out of the reformation home after serving a three- year term.</p>

<p>A 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16, 2012, inside a moving bus in South Delhi by a gang of six persons. She succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


The apex court had on December 12 allowed the counsel to file review petition for another convict Akshay Singh

Two of the four death row convicts in Nirbhaya case have filed a petition in the Supreme Court to review its verdict of sentencing them with capital punishment. The duo through a review plea, filed through their advocate A P Singh, claimed that death penalty is a premeditated and "cold-blooded killing" of a human being by the state in the name of justice. The review petition by convicts Vinay Sharma and Pawan Kumar followed shortly after the Supreme Court had closed its hearing on the review petition filed by convict Mukesh who also faces the death sentence. The petition stated that the investigation into the matter was not only flawed but also unreliable as many facts of the investigation pertaining to recording of the dying declaration of the victim. The apex court had on December 12 allowed the counsel to file review petition for another convict Akshay Singh and listed the matter for hearing on January 22. The apex court had on May 5 upheld the death penalty to the four convicts - Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31), saying the "brutal, barbaric and diabolic nature" of the crime could create a "tsunami of shock" to destroy a civilised society. Another accused in the case, Ram Singh, committed suicide in Tihar Jail, while another convicted juvenile has come out of the reformation home after serving a three- year term. A 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16, 2012, inside a moving bus in South Delhi by a gang of six persons. She succumbed to her injuries on December 29, 2012, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. (With inputs from PTI)

Nirbhaya case: Two death row convicts file review petition in Supreme Court

<p>As the country remembers Nirbhaya on her fifth death anniversary today, Ravidas Camp, a slum colony in south Delhi, is struggling to shed the tag of the place belonging to those who brutalised and murdered the 23-year-old para-medical student.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-years-of-nirbhaya-case-people-remember-26886">Nirbhaya</a> was brutally gang-raped on the intervening night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in south Delhi.&nbsp;Four of the six men convicted for the crime lived in the slum colony.&nbsp;The residents of Ravidas Camp lament that the world looks at them with suspicion and disgust. They say the constant media focus on the place has done them no good.</p>

<p>&quot;We want to erase that blot. Whenever we feel that we have moved on, something or the other reminds us of that incident. The media makes frequent rounds to this place, be it for the December 16 incident or other reasons&quot;, says a resident who did not wish to be named.</p>

<p>As this reporter visited the camp, many residents were initially unwilling to talk about the fateful incident.&nbsp;Bihari Lal, president of Ravidas Camp Resident Welfare Association, said, &quot;Some people committed a crime that day. But what is our fault? Why are we paying the price for what they did?&quot;.</p>

<p>He said life has been tough for the camp residents after the incident.&nbsp;&quot;People look at us from head to toe when they come to know that we live in Ravidas Camp. It was difficult for our people to get jobs after the incident&quot;, says Pyaare Lal, who had been staying in the camp since 1990.</p>

<p>&quot;Media coverage about the camp has only added to our woes&quot;, he complained.&nbsp;The residents also claimed that compared to other slum areas in the vicinity, theirs was much cleaner and also one without any liquor vend.<br />
<br />
&quot;Ravidas Camp is cleaner than most of the adjacent slums. There are no &#39; thekas&#39; (liquor vends) here and respectable families stay here. Our children have government jobs and want to lead a respectable life&quot;, says another resident.</p>

<p>Lal said they had also thought of changing the name of the camp.&nbsp;&quot;We will have a meeting with other RWA members about it. But we do realise that it is a long process. All our identity cards have this address. It is not an easy step&quot;, he added.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-delhi-gangrape-case-a-judicial-perspective-26888">&#39;Nirbhaya&#39; Delhi gangrape case: A judicial perspective</a></p>


'We want to erase that blot. Whenever we feel that we have moved on, something or the other reminds us of that incident', says a resident of the camp

As the country remembers Nirbhaya on her fifth death anniversary today, Ravidas Camp, a slum colony in south Delhi, is struggling to shed the tag of the place belonging to those who brutalised and murdered the 23-year-old para-medical student. Nirbhaya was brutally gang-raped on the intervening night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in south Delhi. Four of the six men convicted for the crime lived in the slum colony. The residents of Ravidas Camp lament that the world looks at them with suspicion and disgust. They say the constant media focus on the place has done them no good. "We want to erase that blot. Whenever we feel that we have moved on, something or the other reminds us of that incident. The media makes frequent rounds to this place, be it for the December 16 incident or other reasons", says a resident who did not wish to be named. As this reporter visited the camp, many residents were initially unwilling to talk about the fateful incident. Bihari Lal, president of Ravidas Camp Resident Welfare Association, said, "Some people committed a crime that day. But what is our fault? Why are we paying the price for what they did?". He said life has been tough for the camp residents after the incident. "People look at us from head to toe when they come to know that we live in Ravidas Camp. It was difficult for our people to get jobs after the incident", says Pyaare Lal, who had been staying in the camp since 1990. "Media coverage about the camp has only added to our woes", he complained. The residents also claimed that compared to other slum areas in the vicinity, theirs was much cleaner and also one without any liquor vend. "Ravidas Camp is cleaner than most of the adjacent slums. There are no ' thekas' (liquor vends) here and respectable families stay here. Our children have government jobs and want to lead a respectable life", says another resident. Lal said they had also thought of changing the name of the camp. "We will have a meeting with other RWA members about it. But we do realise that it is a long process. All our identity cards have this address. It is not an easy step", he added. Also Read: 'Nirbhaya' Delhi gangrape case: A judicial perspective

Five years after Nirbhaya, Ravidas Camp lives under shadow of fear

<p>On May 29th, in Manesar at Gurgaon, a 19-year-old woman was gang-raped and her 9-month-old daughter was killed by throwing her to the ground. Yesterday, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Director General of Police, Haryana and the Gurugram Police Commission stating, &ldquo;the night patrolling on the road by the police was not being done&rdquo;. The NHRC requested the Police Commissioners of Delhi, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad to come up with constructive suggestions and a joint action programme is expected by the law enforcement agencies of the National Capital Region (NCR). Though this came as a positive measure to ensure women&rsquo;s safety, yet we are a long way to go.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation is particularly difficult to address as many Indian politicians across partylines often place the onus on the victims themselves.&nbsp;For instance, Azam Khan of Samajwadi Party&nbsp;remarked after two girls were raped by 14 men&nbsp;at&nbsp;Rampur in Uttar Pradesh that&nbsp;&rdquo;girls should avoid places where molesters roam free&rdquo;. The incident and bizarre assertion make us question if we women have a safe space to dwell in this country. Another leader Babulal Gaur on another gang rape case of two teenagers said, &ldquo;this is a social crime which depends on men and women. Sometimes it&rsquo;s right, sometimes it&rsquo;s wrong.&ldquo; Such remarks by leaders clearly do not reflect us in a respectable position, hence we do not want your sympathy.</p>

<p>The Nirbhaya verdict (5th May 2017) stirred clamour around capital punishment against the perpetrators of rape. Many believed, the perpetrators deserved &lsquo;justice served&rsquo; and some opposed the idea of capital punishment. Unfortunately, after the most celebrated verdict by the Apex court, a series of rape cases has been&nbsp;reported so far. Death penalty is commonly seen&nbsp;as a deterrent but&nbsp;so far it has failed in the prevention of rape against women. In the month of May alone, three very heinous instances of rape have made the headlines in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Frequently,&nbsp;police officials encourages&nbsp;the victim to settle the matter out of court, thereby,&nbsp;dissuading&nbsp;them from&nbsp;pursuing&nbsp;the case</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Frequently,?police officials encourages?the victim to settle the matter out of court, thereby,?dissuading?them from?pursuing?the case" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p><strong>The dark figure of crime: Unreported Rape</strong></p>

<p>The Indian Penal Code largely understands gender specific crime as an assault on women with the intent to outrage the modesty, cruelty by husband or relatives as well as kidnapping, abduction and rape. As per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), 327,394 cases of crimes against women were reported in 2015.&nbsp;In 95 per cent of these cases the offender knew&nbsp;the rape victim. One of the most frightening facts reported by NCRB is one rape occurs every 20 minutes in India.</p>

<p>Despite all the facts and figures reported by the NCRB, experts are unanimous that it is extremely to difficult to accurately calculate the number of rapes in any country, particularly in India. Victims often fail to report, more so,&nbsp;if family members are involved or in cases where the victim was found to be&nbsp;drunk or intoxicated. In the latter case, it is difficult to ascertain whether&nbsp;consent was given or not.&nbsp;Frequently,&nbsp;police officials encourages&nbsp;the victim to settle the matter out of court, thereby,&nbsp;dissuading&nbsp;them from&nbsp;pursuing&nbsp;the case.</p>

<p><strong>Rape: Theories and Beliefs</strong></p>

<p>If we evaluate why a woman is always the victim, it is pertinent to understand the various theories and studies done by scholars, psychologist and feminist over a period of time on rape culture. The early proponents of the Evolutionary Theory believed man rapes to enforce their sexual desires on a woman so that the offsprings bear their qualities. Whereas, the Feminist theory believed rape is &ldquo;violent and not just a sexual act&rdquo;, ideally generate fear and intimidate a woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The early proponents of feminism&nbsp;suggested, &ldquo;rape is about power and control and not sex&rdquo;. Anthropologist Peggy Reeves Sandy through her research on tribal societies presented &ldquo;rape varies cross-culturally&rdquo; and it includes, &rdquo;interpersonal violence, male dominance and sexual separation&rdquo;. Her study showcases the attitude towards women in &ldquo;rape free&rdquo; and &ldquo;rape prone&rdquo; zones. The &ldquo;rape free&rdquo; zones are ideal communities that &lsquo;respect female authority and power&rsquo; but, &ldquo;rape-prone&rdquo; are communities with male dominant societies. Her deviation from the common understanding provided a fresh perspective in understanding how certain positive attitude and behaviour in society tend to benefit women at large.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>&ldquo;Rape is a political matter&quot; and can be stopped only with the end patriarchy</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=?Rape is a political matter and can be stopped only with the end patriarchy" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;The New York Radical Feminists in their Manifesto categorically states that rape is not a &ldquo;personal&rdquo; problem. Rather, their argument is&nbsp;&ldquo;rape is a political matter&quot; and can be stopped only with the end patriarchy. The position taken by the Radical feminists complicates the common perception that capital punishment of the culprit will root out rape.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Capital punishment or not: The big debate</strong></p>

<p>It is evident death penalty hasn&rsquo;t acted deterrent for our society. Moreover, the experts are not even sure whether the judiciary should see death penalty as a deterrent, reformation or retribution. &nbsp;Retribution is the common practice preferred however, it has failed to prove beneficial for neither our society nor criminals. This aspect is forcefully brought out by&nbsp;Professor John Braithwaite of The Australian National University who believes that&nbsp;&quot;crime hurts and justice should heal&quot;. The restorative justice cuts crime, it is noticed that after meeting their victims and engaging in a dialogue, criminals are less likely to re-offend. The survivor too gets a pivotal role in the &ldquo;justice process&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joanne Nodding, a rape survivor, a few years ago wanted to confront the man who raped her. As part of restorative justice programme, she decided to meet him five years after the incident. The program allows victims to initiate a conversation with the person responsible. During the session, Nodding described the harrowing abuse she had to undergo. The perpetrator apologised and Nodding ended the meeting by forgiving him. She added she felt &ldquo;on top of the world, she had to release the burden so that he could look towards his future. It may stop him from doing it again&rdquo;. It is difficult to analyse the punishment that would fit the bill for the rapist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, there exists unpredictability in awarding death sentence in rape cases, as most of the perpetrators are from underprivileged background. Raju Ramachandran, one of the amicus curie in the historic Nirbhaya&rsquo;s case, was a strong opponent of a death penalty.&nbsp;Ramachandran argued that a whole set of&nbsp;reasons, particularly one related to individual backgrounds&nbsp;should be considered rather than advocating that &quot;one penalty fits all&rdquo;. A blanket judgment&nbsp;&ldquo;hits at the very root of Article 14 which prohibits similar treatment of differently situated individuals&rdquo;. Despite a culture of &ldquo;shame and silence&rdquo;, we have to resort to progressive measures to deal with rape.</p>

<p>In spite of making necessary amendments in rape laws and better provisions adopted for women in India, nevertheless, we are not safe. The measures should be aimed at substantially reducing harm against women. Initiatives should be undertaken for collective actions, such as&nbsp;engaging&nbsp;bystanders, better policing, educate youth about healthy relationships and implement better prevention programs. Most of the initiatives undertaken in India have failed to achieve the desired result. It includes utilisation of Nirbhaya Fund-- &lsquo;One Stop Centre&rsquo;, &lsquo;Universalisation of Women Helpline&rsquo;, &lsquo;Mahila Police Volunteer&rsquo; and schemes of other Ministries/Departments under Nirbhaya Fund are yet to highlight their success stories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To sum up, the unequal power dynamics between man and woman should be reduced; it will reduce the &ldquo;domination&rdquo; and &ldquo;discrimination&rdquo; attitude against women. Sexual violence is a public health issue,&nbsp;hence, collective action,&nbsp;implementing laws&nbsp;and generating interest are required to transform communities.</p>


Sexual violence is a public health issue,?hence, collective action is necessary to prevent rape

On May 29th, in Manesar at Gurgaon, a 19-year-old woman was gang-raped and her 9-month-old daughter was killed by throwing her to the ground. Yesterday, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Director General of Police, Haryana and the Gurugram Police Commission stating, “the night patrolling on the road by the police was not being done”. The NHRC requested the Police Commissioners of Delhi, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad to come up with constructive suggestions and a joint action programme is expected by the law enforcement agencies of the National Capital Region (NCR). Though this came as a positive measure to ensure women’s safety, yet we are a long way to go. The situation is particularly difficult to address as many Indian politicians across partylines often place the onus on the victims themselves. For instance, Azam Khan of Samajwadi Party remarked after two girls were raped by 14 men at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh that ”girls should avoid places where molesters roam free”. The incident and bizarre assertion make us question if we women have a safe space to dwell in this country. Another leader Babulal Gaur on another gang rape case of two teenagers said, “this is a social crime which depends on men and women. Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong.“ Such remarks by leaders clearly do not reflect us in a respectable position, hence we do not want your sympathy. The Nirbhaya verdict (5th May 2017) stirred clamour around capital punishment against the perpetrators of rape. Many believed, the perpetrators deserved ‘justice served’ and some opposed the idea of capital punishment. Unfortunately, after the most celebrated verdict by the Apex court, a series of rape cases has been reported so far. Death penalty is commonly seen as a deterrent but so far it has failed in the prevention of rape against women. In the month of May alone, three very heinous instances of rape have made the headlines in the country. Frequently, police officials encourages the victim to settle the matter out of court, thereby, dissuading them from pursuing the case × The dark figure of crime: Unreported Rape The Indian Penal Code largely understands gender specific crime as an assault on women with the intent to outrage the modesty, cruelty by husband or relatives as well as kidnapping, abduction and rape. As per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), 327,394 cases of crimes against women were reported in 2015. In 95 per cent of these cases the offender knew the rape victim. One of the most frightening facts reported by NCRB is one rape occurs every 20 minutes in India. Despite all the facts and figures reported by the NCRB, experts are unanimous that it is extremely to difficult to accurately calculate the number of rapes in any country, particularly in India. Victims often fail to report, more so, if family members are involved or in cases where the victim was found to be drunk or intoxicated. In the latter case, it is difficult to ascertain whether consent was given or not. Frequently, police officials encourages the victim to settle the matter out of court, thereby, dissuading them from pursuing the case. Rape: Theories and Beliefs If we evaluate why a woman is always the victim, it is pertinent to understand the various theories and studies done by scholars, psychologist and feminist over a period of time on rape culture. The early proponents of the Evolutionary Theory believed man rapes to enforce their sexual desires on a woman so that the offsprings bear their qualities. Whereas, the Feminist theory believed rape is “violent and not just a sexual act”, ideally generate fear and intimidate a woman. The early proponents of feminism suggested, “rape is about power and control and not sex”. Anthropologist Peggy Reeves Sandy through her research on tribal societies presented “rape varies cross-culturally” and it includes, ”interpersonal violence, male dominance and sexual separation”. Her study showcases the attitude towards women in “rape free” and “rape prone” zones. The “rape free” zones are ideal communities that ‘respect female authority and power’ but, “rape-prone” are communities with male dominant societies. Her deviation from the common understanding provided a fresh perspective in understanding how certain positive attitude and behaviour in society tend to benefit women at large. “Rape is a political matter" and can be stopped only with the end patriarchy × The New York Radical Feminists in their Manifesto categorically states that rape is not a “personal” problem. Rather, their argument is “rape is a political matter" and can be stopped only with the end patriarchy. The position taken by the Radical feminists complicates the common perception that capital punishment of the culprit will root out rape. Capital punishment or not: The big debate It is evident death penalty hasn’t acted deterrent for our society. Moreover, the experts are not even sure whether the judiciary should see death penalty as a deterrent, reformation or retribution. Retribution is the common practice preferred however, it has failed to prove beneficial for neither our society nor criminals. This aspect is forcefully brought out by Professor John Braithwaite of The Australian National University who believes that "crime hurts and justice should heal". The restorative justice cuts crime, it is noticed that after meeting their victims and engaging in a dialogue, criminals are less likely to re-offend. The survivor too gets a pivotal role in the “justice process”. Joanne Nodding, a rape survivor, a few years ago wanted to confront the man who raped her. As part of restorative justice programme, she decided to meet him five years after the incident. The program allows victims to initiate a conversation with the person responsible. During the session, Nodding described the harrowing abuse she had to undergo. The perpetrator apologised and Nodding ended the meeting by forgiving him. She added she felt “on top of the world, she had to release the burden so that he could look towards his future. It may stop him from doing it again”. It is difficult to analyse the punishment that would fit the bill for the rapist. Also, there exists unpredictability in awarding death sentence in rape cases, as most of the perpetrators are from underprivileged background. Raju Ramachandran, one of the amicus curie in the historic Nirbhaya’s case, was a strong opponent of a death penalty. Ramachandran argued that a whole set of reasons, particularly one related to individual backgrounds should be considered rather than advocating that "one penalty fits all”. A blanket judgment “hits at the very root of Article 14 which prohibits similar treatment of differently situated individuals”. Despite a culture of “shame and silence”, we have to resort to progressive measures to deal with rape. In spite of making necessary amendments in rape laws and better provisions adopted for women in India, nevertheless, we are not safe. The measures should be aimed at substantially reducing harm against women. Initiatives should be undertaken for collective actions, such as engaging bystanders, better policing, educate youth about healthy relationships and implement better prevention programs. Most of the initiatives undertaken in India have failed to achieve the desired result. It includes utilisation of Nirbhaya Fund-- ‘One Stop Centre’, ‘Universalisation of Women Helpline’, ‘Mahila Police Volunteer’ and schemes of other Ministries/Departments under Nirbhaya Fund are yet to highlight their success stories. To sum up, the unequal power dynamics between man and woman should be reduced; it will reduce the “domination” and “discrimination” attitude against women. Sexual violence is a public health issue, hence, collective action, implementing laws and generating interest are required to transform communities.

Why can't capital punishment stop rape in India?

<p>A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped by three men in a moving car in Gurgaon and thrown out on a road in Delhi in yet another chilling rape incident in Haryana days after the Nirbhaya-like case in Sonipat.</p>

<p>The woman, hailing from Sikkim, was attacked at around 2 am when she was returning from Delhi to her residence in Sector 17 here. As she reached near her house, she was dragged by three men into their Swift car. They then took turns to rape her in the moving vehicle while heading to Najafgarh in the national capital, 20 kms from here, a senior police officer told PTI quoting the victim&#39;s statement.</p>

<p>The woman had gone to visit Connaught Place with her friend on Saturday night. The accused then threw her out in the Najafgarh area and sped away, the officer said.</p>

<p>The woman later approached some passersby and informed the Delhi Police which alerted the Gurugram police.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The men dragged her into their car and took turns raping her

A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped by three men in a moving car in Gurgaon and thrown out on a road in Delhi in yet another chilling rape incident in Haryana days after the Nirbhaya-like case in Sonipat. The woman, hailing from Sikkim, was attacked at around 2 am when she was returning from Delhi to her residence in Sector 17 here. As she reached near her house, she was dragged by three men into their Swift car. They then took turns to rape her in the moving vehicle while heading to Najafgarh in the national capital, 20 kms from here, a senior police officer told PTI quoting the victim's statement. The woman had gone to visit Connaught Place with her friend on Saturday night. The accused then threw her out in the Najafgarh area and sped away, the officer said. The woman later approached some passersby and informed the Delhi Police which alerted the Gurugram police. (PTI)

Gurgaon: 22 year old gang-raped in moving car, thrown out in Delhi

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>By&nbsp;Anitha Shenoy* &amp; Srishti Agnihotri**</p>

<p>The Supreme Court <a href="http://supremecourtofindia.nic.in/FileServer/2017-05-05_1493976928.pdf">judgment</a> in Mukesh and Anr v. State for NCT of Delhi (the &lsquo;Nirbhaya case&rsquo;) marks a significant milestone. The Nirbhaya case is unique because it evoked a quick and integrated response from every pillar of Indian democracy. The nationwide civil society galvanisation created a sustained public pressure, which ensured that the executive, the legislature and the judiciary rose to the occasion and responded effectively in their respective spheres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The societal response was two-fold: firstly, a response to Nirbhaya herself and, secondly, a response meant to meet the needs of all victims of sexual violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For decades, activists associated with the women&rsquo;s movement had been <a href="http://feministlawarchives.pldindia.org/wp-content/uploads/SA-Bill-Pocess-Document.pdf">discussing the rising rates of sexual assaults in India</a>, and the need to change laws relating to rape. The first watershed moment came with the verdict on the custodial rape of a young tribal girl Mathura at Maharashtra in March 1972. The protests following the <a href="https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1092711/">judgment </a>of the Supreme Court led to <a href="http://www.lawyerscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/Annexure_3_CONSOLIDATED_TIMELINE.pdf">changes</a> in the law, including the introduction of the concept of custodial rape and shifting of the burden of proof on the accused, once the sexual intercourse is proved.</p>

<p>In a <a href="https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1103956/">Writ Petition</a> before the Supreme Court, SAKSHI, an organization working on issues related to women, asked for an interpretation of the phrase &lsquo;sexual intercourse&rsquo; that would include all forms of penetration. The expansion of the ambit of rapes, however, had to wait for few years until the sexual assault on Nirbhaya catalysed a flurry of legal reforms. It was only with the passage of the <a href="https://www.iitk.ac.in/wc/data/TheCriminalLaw.pdf">Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013</a> that the ambit of rape was expanded as suggested initially by SAKSHI. The Act also came to include provisions to deal with acid attacks, sexual harassment and stalking as well as acts of voyeurism, assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman. Though pathbreaking in many ways, it is a matter of sadness and concern, that it took such a heinous offence to evoke a policy response that was long overdue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was a simultaneous response from the Executive. The ministry of finance set up a dedicated fund called the <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157727">Nirbhaya Fund </a>with a corpus of Rs 3000 crores. The funds were to be utilised for enhancing the safety and security of women in the country. The schemes that have been initiated under this fund include &lsquo;Sakhi&rsquo; centers that will act as one-stop centres for women affected by violence, a helpline specifically meant for women that would link the women to the one-stop centres, and Mahila Police Volunteers to act as a bridge between the police and the community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The low conviction rates in rape trials, delay in conclusion of the trial, and the difficult, often insensitive, interaction between the survivor and the criminal-justice system need immediate remedying.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The low conviction rates in rape trials, delay in conclusion of the trial, and the difficult, often insensitive, interaction between the survivor and the criminal-justice system need immediate remedying." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the verdict in the Nirbhaya case, it is time for a collective stock-taking of how far we have progressed, in terms of ensuring that women in India enjoy a life of dignity, autonomy and an environment free of violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The low conviction rates in rape trials, delay in conclusion of the trial, and the difficult, often insensitive, interaction between the survivor and the criminal-justice system need immediate remedying. Steps must be taken to update and train the officers in the Mahila Police Stations in the latest investigative practices, forensic protocols, and sensitise police personnel on how to handle cases of rape and violence against women. With an increasing number of cybercrimes against women, including cyber-stalking, and online rape threats and death threats, it is important that police force is trained on responding to the particular investigative requirements in such cases. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Another, crucial aspect in any rape trial is the medico-legal aspect. Reports from doctors are a determining factor in judicial decision making. However, what doctors often lose sight of is that sexual assault is a legal issue and not a medical diagnosis. This has been strongly emphasised by the Justice Verma Committee which stated that &quot;doctors should not, on the basis of the medical examination conclude whether rape had occurred or not.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>We also need to be sensitive to complaints of sexual assault from men or transgendered persons.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=We also need to be sensitive to complaints of sexual assault from men or transgendered persons." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Courts must refrain from using terminology like &#39;habituated to sexual intercourse&#39; and medical practitioners must not employ legally irrelevant tests such as the &lsquo;two-finger test&rsquo; in arriving at an answer to the question of whether rape has been committed. The Supreme Court has categorically <a href="https://indiankanoon.org/doc/78844212/">held in Lillu @ Rajesh &amp; Anr vs State Of Haryana </a>that &quot;two finger test and its interpretation violates the right of rape survivors to privacy, physical and mental integrity and dignity.&quot;</p>

<p>No discussion on sexual violence is complete if it does not take into account assault on victims by persons known to them, either from home or school, the workplace and even within a marriage. Specific institutionalised and legal responses are needed to handle these categories of assault, which are distinct from assault by strangers. We also need to be sensitive to complaints of sexual assault from men or transgendered persons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We have reached a point in time when it has become imperative that law and policy should evolve contemporaneously to the needs of society. A proactive approach to legal changes, not a reactive one, must guide us on the way forward. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>*Anitha Shenoy is a lawyer in the Supreme Court of India, and has practised for the last 2 decades.</p>

<p>** Srishti Agnihotri, is a Delhi based lawyer.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


It is vitally important that sexual violence laws in the country reflect the needs of the society

By Anitha Shenoy* & Srishti Agnihotri** The Supreme Court judgment in Mukesh and Anr v. State for NCT of Delhi (the ‘Nirbhaya case’) marks a significant milestone. The Nirbhaya case is unique because it evoked a quick and integrated response from every pillar of Indian democracy. The nationwide civil society galvanisation created a sustained public pressure, which ensured that the executive, the legislature and the judiciary rose to the occasion and responded effectively in their respective spheres. The societal response was two-fold: firstly, a response to Nirbhaya herself and, secondly, a response meant to meet the needs of all victims of sexual violence. For decades, activists associated with the women’s movement had been discussing the rising rates of sexual assaults in India, and the need to change laws relating to rape. The first watershed moment came with the verdict on the custodial rape of a young tribal girl Mathura at Maharashtra in March 1972. The protests following the judgment of the Supreme Court led to changes in the law, including the introduction of the concept of custodial rape and shifting of the burden of proof on the accused, once the sexual intercourse is proved. In a Writ Petition before the Supreme Court, SAKSHI, an organization working on issues related to women, asked for an interpretation of the phrase ‘sexual intercourse’ that would include all forms of penetration. The expansion of the ambit of rapes, however, had to wait for few years until the sexual assault on Nirbhaya catalysed a flurry of legal reforms. It was only with the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013 that the ambit of rape was expanded as suggested initially by SAKSHI. The Act also came to include provisions to deal with acid attacks, sexual harassment and stalking as well as acts of voyeurism, assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman. Though pathbreaking in many ways, it is a matter of sadness and concern, that it took such a heinous offence to evoke a policy response that was long overdue. There was a simultaneous response from the Executive. The ministry of finance set up a dedicated fund called the Nirbhaya Fund with a corpus of Rs 3000 crores. The funds were to be utilised for enhancing the safety and security of women in the country. The schemes that have been initiated under this fund include ‘Sakhi’ centers that will act as one-stop centres for women affected by violence, a helpline specifically meant for women that would link the women to the one-stop centres, and Mahila Police Volunteers to act as a bridge between the police and the community. The low conviction rates in rape trials, delay in conclusion of the trial, and the difficult, often insensitive, interaction between the survivor and the criminal-justice system need immediate remedying. × After the verdict in the Nirbhaya case, it is time for a collective stock-taking of how far we have progressed, in terms of ensuring that women in India enjoy a life of dignity, autonomy and an environment free of violence. The low conviction rates in rape trials, delay in conclusion of the trial, and the difficult, often insensitive, interaction between the survivor and the criminal-justice system need immediate remedying. Steps must be taken to update and train the officers in the Mahila Police Stations in the latest investigative practices, forensic protocols, and sensitise police personnel on how to handle cases of rape and violence against women. With an increasing number of cybercrimes against women, including cyber-stalking, and online rape threats and death threats, it is important that police force is trained on responding to the particular investigative requirements in such cases. Another, crucial aspect in any rape trial is the medico-legal aspect. Reports from doctors are a determining factor in judicial decision making. However, what doctors often lose sight of is that sexual assault is a legal issue and not a medical diagnosis. This has been strongly emphasised by the Justice Verma Committee which stated that "doctors should not, on the basis of the medical examination conclude whether rape had occurred or not." We also need to be sensitive to complaints of sexual assault from men or transgendered persons. × Courts must refrain from using terminology like 'habituated to sexual intercourse' and medical practitioners must not employ legally irrelevant tests such as the ‘two-finger test’ in arriving at an answer to the question of whether rape has been committed. The Supreme Court has categorically held in Lillu @ Rajesh & Anr vs State Of Haryana that "two finger test and its interpretation violates the right of rape survivors to privacy, physical and mental integrity and dignity." No discussion on sexual violence is complete if it does not take into account assault on victims by persons known to them, either from home or school, the workplace and even within a marriage. Specific institutionalised and legal responses are needed to handle these categories of assault, which are distinct from assault by strangers. We also need to be sensitive to complaints of sexual assault from men or transgendered persons. We have reached a point in time when it has become imperative that law and policy should evolve contemporaneously to the needs of society. A proactive approach to legal changes, not a reactive one, must guide us on the way forward. *Anitha Shenoy is a lawyer in the Supreme Court of India, and has practised for the last 2 decades. ** Srishti Agnihotri, is a Delhi based lawyer.

Remembering Nirbhaya and looking for ways to stop rape

<p>India&#39;s top court, the Supreme Court of India, will at 2 pm today deliver the verdict on the appeals against the death penalty filed by four death-row convicts&nbsp;in the December 16 Nirbhaya gang rape case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Delhi trial court as well as the Delhi High Court had sentenced all four convicts -- Akshay, Pawan, Vinay Sharma and Mukesh -- to death&nbsp;for the gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in 2012.</p>

<p>The convicts had challenged the death penalty given by the Delhi High Court and trial court in the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>The matter is being heard by the top court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra and consisting of Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top court is unlikely to grant relief to the accused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justice Dipak Misra, who does not hesitate to give the death sentence, has upheld rape as depravity which is not curable.</p>

<p>On December 16, 2012, six people gang raped a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in a moving bus. Eleven days after her assault, she was transferred to a hospital in Singapore for treatment but succumbed to her injuries two<br />
days later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the accused, Ram Singh, hanged himself in prison. The other accused, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, was convicted in August last year and will serve the maximum sentence of three years in a reform<br />
home.<br />
<br />
Ahead of the verdict, Nirbhaya&#39;s mother said that she has full faith in the judiciary and is sure that the top court will give justice to her daughter.</p>

<p>&quot;We have full faith in the judicial system and I am sure that the Supreme Court will announce death sentence in its verdict for the guilty. I am sure the Supreme Court will give justice to my daughter. This will set an example for the world,&quot; said Nirbhaya&#39;s mother.</p>

<p>Nirbhaya&#39;s father also said that he is sure of the fact that the top court will award death sentence to the convicts.&quot;They will be awarded death sentence. Leave Supreme Court, even God will not forgive such people,&quot; said Nirbhaya&#39;s father.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from ANI)</p>


On December 16, 2012, six people gang raped a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in a moving bus. She succumbed to her injuries on December 29

India's top court, the Supreme Court of India, will at 2 pm today deliver the verdict on the appeals against the death penalty filed by four death-row convicts in the December 16 Nirbhaya gang rape case. A Delhi trial court as well as the Delhi High Court had sentenced all four convicts -- Akshay, Pawan, Vinay Sharma and Mukesh -- to death for the gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in 2012. The convicts had challenged the death penalty given by the Delhi High Court and trial court in the Supreme Court. The matter is being heard by the top court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra and consisting of Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan. The top court is unlikely to grant relief to the accused. Justice Dipak Misra, who does not hesitate to give the death sentence, has upheld rape as depravity which is not curable. On December 16, 2012, six people gang raped a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in a moving bus. Eleven days after her assault, she was transferred to a hospital in Singapore for treatment but succumbed to her injuries two days later. One of the accused, Ram Singh, hanged himself in prison. The other accused, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, was convicted in August last year and will serve the maximum sentence of three years in a reform home. Ahead of the verdict, Nirbhaya's mother said that she has full faith in the judiciary and is sure that the top court will give justice to her daughter. "We have full faith in the judicial system and I am sure that the Supreme Court will announce death sentence in its verdict for the guilty. I am sure the Supreme Court will give justice to my daughter. This will set an example for the world," said Nirbhaya's mother. Nirbhaya's father also said that he is sure of the fact that the top court will award death sentence to the convicts."They will be awarded death sentence. Leave Supreme Court, even God will not forgive such people," said Nirbhaya's father. (WION with inputs from ANI)

India: Top court to deliver verdict on death penalty in 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case today

<p>The Bengaluru mass molestation has evoked a litany of anguished complaints against our collective existence as civilised human beings. Data crunching is being done to show, rightly, that precious little has changed despite the amended rape law or the oft-repeated promises on women&rsquo;s security. Half-a-billion citizens of this country have to try hard, on an everyday basis, to keep their bodily integrity intact.</p>

<p>But why is everybody silent about the body, the focal point of this discourse?</p>

<p>One of the challenges facing a sexual assault victim is to regain her ability to love her body as before. Almost everything around her stymies this effort. PTSD, somatic symptoms&nbsp;and depression are some of the commonly spoken about aftermaths of a sexual assault. The assaulted body not only bears the marks of the violation suffered, it also writhes in neglect and loathing. The victim fights a battle with not just the world outside but also within and the body is caught in this crossfire.</p>

<p>While studying child sexual abuse in the Jewish community, Rachel Lev, a US-based clinical psychologist, observed that insensitivity and ignorance displayed by institutions around the victim (healthcare, education, security, religion et al) severely hinder recovery and healing of the victims. Lev&rsquo;s 2003 book &lsquo;Shine the Light: Sexual Abuse and Healing in the Jewish Community&rsquo; emphasises the need for &ldquo;compassionate, informed and proactive community&rdquo; that helps in healing. An earlier research on rape victims (University of Illinois, 2001) establishes that while positive social reaction has a&nbsp;negligible impact on victim&rsquo;s recovery, negative social reactions hinder it substantially. Ironically, it is the community&rsquo;s collective failure that breeds sexual assault on an industrial scale.</p>

<p>How, then, can the victim emerge from the cesspool of shame, trauma and that unhealthy tendency of seeing the body as the cause of her woes? There are no prescribed answers or standard operating procedures. Yet, there can be some universal whistle points. To begin with, it is essential to recognise sexual assault to be what it is: a criminal act. Just like stealing, robbery, and murder. The victim needs to learn and internalise it. A sparkling SUV, straight out of the showroom, did not ASK to be stolen. It just was.</p>

<p>The body has an inbuilt self-healing mechanism. The victim needs to tap that. The ableist approach in combating violence against women, with its insistence on putting the onus of safety on the potential victim, has been rightly criticised by the gender equality activists and other stakeholders. However, a lot stands to be gained while leveraging the ability of a victim, post facto. It is also a step towards establishing a continuum of empathy. A victim, at ease with herself, is likely to extend support to those who need it. Mukhtar Mai of Pakistan, Sunitha Krishnan of Bengaluru, and Suzette Jordan of Kolkata were assaulted but not broken.</p>

<p>A victim has no agency in deciding what happens to her body. The victims of child sexual abuse do not even have the vocabulary to describe either their bodies or what is done to them. Yet, there is a shroud of shame with which the victim is expected to cover her bruised honour with. The body does not get impure or tainted by unwanted touch or penetration. Yes, it causes pain physical and mental. The ideas of impurity and honour are carefully placed constructs to silence the victims.</p>

<p>Silence suits the perpetrators and, unfortunately, even some secondary survivors. A victim&rsquo;s loved ones are the co-sufferers of an assault, yet the worst ordeal is reserved for the victim herself. Do remember the &lsquo;honourable&rsquo; killings (inclusive of abetment to suicide) of countless women by family members during the Partition because they were or could be sexually assaulted. Thus, the onus to reclaim the battered body needs to be on the victim. Negative social reactions to assault or even the body in the first place, however, disallows this process of rebuilding.</p>

<p>Learning to see the&nbsp;body as a&nbsp;whole and not disambiguated body parts, with a hierarchy of honour to define them, is the first step towards recovery. Learning to see a crime as crime is the essential second. When the individual heals, society heals. And vice versa.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Ideas of impurity and honour are carefully-placed constructs to silence victims of sexual attacks

The Bengaluru mass molestation has evoked a litany of anguished complaints against our collective existence as civilised human beings. Data crunching is being done to show, rightly, that precious little has changed despite the amended rape law or the oft-repeated promises on women’s security. Half-a-billion citizens of this country have to try hard, on an everyday basis, to keep their bodily integrity intact. But why is everybody silent about the body, the focal point of this discourse? One of the challenges facing a sexual assault victim is to regain her ability to love her body as before. Almost everything around her stymies this effort. PTSD, somatic symptoms and depression are some of the commonly spoken about aftermaths of a sexual assault. The assaulted body not only bears the marks of the violation suffered, it also writhes in neglect and loathing. The victim fights a battle with not just the world outside but also within and the body is caught in this crossfire. While studying child sexual abuse in the Jewish community, Rachel Lev, a US-based clinical psychologist, observed that insensitivity and ignorance displayed by institutions around the victim (healthcare, education, security, religion et al) severely hinder recovery and healing of the victims. Lev’s 2003 book ‘Shine the Light: Sexual Abuse and Healing in the Jewish Community’ emphasises the need for “compassionate, informed and proactive community” that helps in healing. An earlier research on rape victims (University of Illinois, 2001) establishes that while positive social reaction has a negligible impact on victim’s recovery, negative social reactions hinder it substantially. Ironically, it is the community’s collective failure that breeds sexual assault on an industrial scale. How, then, can the victim emerge from the cesspool of shame, trauma and that unhealthy tendency of seeing the body as the cause of her woes? There are no prescribed answers or standard operating procedures. Yet, there can be some universal whistle points. To begin with, it is essential to recognise sexual assault to be what it is: a criminal act. Just like stealing, robbery, and murder. The victim needs to learn and internalise it. A sparkling SUV, straight out of the showroom, did not ASK to be stolen. It just was. The body has an inbuilt self-healing mechanism. The victim needs to tap that. The ableist approach in combating violence against women, with its insistence on putting the onus of safety on the potential victim, has been rightly criticised by the gender equality activists and other stakeholders. However, a lot stands to be gained while leveraging the ability of a victim, post facto. It is also a step towards establishing a continuum of empathy. A victim, at ease with herself, is likely to extend support to those who need it. Mukhtar Mai of Pakistan, Sunitha Krishnan of Bengaluru, and Suzette Jordan of Kolkata were assaulted but not broken. A victim has no agency in deciding what happens to her body. The victims of child sexual abuse do not even have the vocabulary to describe either their bodies or what is done to them. Yet, there is a shroud of shame with which the victim is expected to cover her bruised honour with. The body does not get impure or tainted by unwanted touch or penetration. Yes, it causes pain physical and mental. The ideas of impurity and honour are carefully placed constructs to silence the victims. Silence suits the perpetrators and, unfortunately, even some secondary survivors. A victim’s loved ones are the co-sufferers of an assault, yet the worst ordeal is reserved for the victim herself. Do remember the ‘honourable’ killings (inclusive of abetment to suicide) of countless women by family members during the Partition because they were or could be sexually assaulted. Thus, the onus to reclaim the battered body needs to be on the victim. Negative social reactions to assault or even the body in the first place, however, disallows this process of rebuilding. Learning to see the body as a whole and not disambiguated body parts, with a hierarchy of honour to define them, is the first step towards recovery. Learning to see a crime as crime is the essential second. When the individual heals, society heals. And vice versa. (WION)

Bengaluru mass molestation: Woman's scarred psyche and society's unholy mind

<p>The parents of Jyoti Singh Pandey, who was killed in a horrific gangrape in the Indian capital of New Delhi on December 16 in&nbsp;2012, have opposed the name &#39;Sakhi&#39; for the one-stop crisis-centre for women across India.</p>

<p>&quot;How can the name be changed when initially such centres that were to come up across the country were to be named as&nbsp;Nirbhaya under the previous UPA government?&quot; said Badri Singh Pandey, the victim&#39;s father. He further added that the name&nbsp;Nirbhaya is synonymous with &quot;fight against injustice being meted out to women in their daily lives&quot;.</p>

<p>Sakhi centres will come up in all the 640 districts across India along with 20 additional locations. They will be one-stop crisis&nbsp;centre that will address the issues of injustice that women face everyday.</p>

<p>The programme to launch such centres was conceived as a tribute to the victim of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape case.</p>

<p>But her parents have alleged that the government was trying to wipe off the account of their daughter&#39;s sufferings, PTI said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victim&#39;s father rued that the Nirbhaya Fund, a corpus announced by Union government in 2013 budget, was not being&nbsp;&quot;properly utilised&quot; and that there still were several dark spots in the city, which needed to be lit up.</p>

<p>&quot;A substantial amount of Rs 500 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund is being used on installing CCTV cameras at railway stations,&nbsp;but that should have been done by the Railways. Tell me, how many victims of rape have been benefited by the fund?&quot; he asked.</p>

<p>The parents visited &#39;Gandhi Samadhi&#39; today to remember their 23-year-old daughter, who died on December 29, 2012, at a&nbsp;hospital in Singapore where she was airlifted from Delhi.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


The one-stop centres to address injustice against women will come up in all the districts of India along with 20 other locations

The parents of Jyoti Singh Pandey, who was killed in a horrific gangrape in the Indian capital of New Delhi on December 16 in 2012, have opposed the name 'Sakhi' for the one-stop crisis-centre for women across India. "How can the name be changed when initially such centres that were to come up across the country were to be named as Nirbhaya under the previous UPA government?" said Badri Singh Pandey, the victim's father. He further added that the name Nirbhaya is synonymous with "fight against injustice being meted out to women in their daily lives". Sakhi centres will come up in all the 640 districts across India along with 20 additional locations. They will be one-stop crisis centre that will address the issues of injustice that women face everyday. The programme to launch such centres was conceived as a tribute to the victim of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape case. But her parents have alleged that the government was trying to wipe off the account of their daughter's sufferings, PTI said. The victim's father rued that the Nirbhaya Fund, a corpus announced by Union government in 2013 budget, was not being "properly utilised" and that there still were several dark spots in the city, which needed to be lit up. "A substantial amount of Rs 500 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund is being used on installing CCTV cameras at railway stations, but that should have been done by the Railways. Tell me, how many victims of rape have been benefited by the fund?" he asked. The parents visited 'Gandhi Samadhi' today to remember their 23-year-old daughter, who died on December 29, 2012, at a hospital in Singapore where she was airlifted from Delhi. (WION with inputs from PTI)

December 16 gangrape: Jyoti Singh's parents object to renaming of women help-centres

<p>One of the four convicts sentenced to death in the&nbsp;infamous 2012 gang rape case in India&#39;s national capital&nbsp;attempted suicide in jail today.<br />
<br />
According to ANI, convict Vinay Sharma attempted the suicide in Tihar Jail in Delhi and has now been admitted to hospital.<br />
<br />
Last year, Sharma had moved court demanding security after he was allegedly beaten up and abused by inmates.</p>

<p>In March 2013, one of the convicts, Ram Singh, had committed suicide in the same jail. But his family members claimed it was murder.</p>

<p>The horrific gang rape of a &nbsp;23-year-old woman perpetrated by&nbsp;six people, including a minor, on December&nbsp;16, 2012 in a bus had sent shockwaves across the world. Activists and citizens took to streets after the incident to demand stricter laws for crimes against women. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
Jyoti Singh, the victim, died in a Singapore hospital on December 29.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The gang rape incident&nbsp;had sparked fresh outrage in 2015 when one of the convicts in the case, Mukesh Singh, made certain controversial comments in a documentary by an international&nbsp;filmmaker Leslee Udwin, that showed he felt no remorse for his acts.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from DNA)</p>


The convict Vinay Sharma had moved court last year demanding security after he was allegedly beaten up and abused by fellow inmates

One of the four convicts sentenced to death in the infamous 2012 gang rape case in India's national capital attempted suicide in jail today. According to ANI, convict Vinay Sharma attempted the suicide in Tihar Jail in Delhi and has now been admitted to hospital. Last year, Sharma had moved court demanding security after he was allegedly beaten up and abused by inmates. In March 2013, one of the convicts, Ram Singh, had committed suicide in the same jail. But his family members claimed it was murder. The horrific gang rape of a 23-year-old woman perpetrated by six people, including a minor, on December 16, 2012 in a bus had sent shockwaves across the world. Activists and citizens took to streets after the incident to demand stricter laws for crimes against women. Jyoti Singh, the victim, died in a Singapore hospital on December 29. The gang rape incident had sparked fresh outrage in 2015 when one of the convicts in the case, Mukesh Singh, made certain controversial comments in a documentary by an international filmmaker Leslee Udwin, that showed he felt no remorse for his acts. (WION with inputs from DNA)

India: 2012  gang rape convict attempts suicide in jail

The Supreme Court of India will today begin its hearing in the appeals filed by the four accused in the landmark December 16 gang rape case which had rocked the nation.<br />
<br />
Twenty three-year-old Nirbhaya was brutally assaulted and gang-raped by six people in a moving bus in the capital city of New Delhi on the night of December 16, 2012 and thrown out of the vehicle. She died in a Singapore hospital on December 29.<br />
<br />
A special bench of the Indian apex court hearing the plea of convicts awarded death in the case has decided to sit two hours beyond its working time to ensure speedy disposal of the case that has been pending in the court for more than two years.<br />
<br />
The convicts Vinay Sharma (23), Akshay Thakur (31), Mukesh (29) and Pawan Gupta (22) were awarded death sentence by a trial court in September 2013 and six months later the Delhi High Court upheld their conviction and sentence. All the convicts then approached the Supreme Court which in 2014 had stayed their execution and the matter is pending in the top court since then.<br />
<br />
The Delhi High Court had upheld their conviction and award of death penalty by terming the offence as &#39;extremely fiendish&#39; and &#39;unparalleled in the history of criminal jurisprudence&#39; and said the exemplary punishment was the need of the hour.<br />
<br />
Though arguments started in April before a three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra, arguments will have to be made afresh since the combination of judges in the bench has been changed.<br />
<br />
The bench comprises Justices Dipak Misra, C. Nagappan and Ms. R. Banumathi.<br />
<br />
(ANI)

Jyoti Singh Pandey (23) was assaulted and gang raped by six on December 16, 2012. She died on Dec 29

The Supreme Court of India will today begin its hearing in the appeals filed by the four accused in the landmark December 16 gang rape case which had rocked the nation. Twenty three-year-old Nirbhaya was brutally assaulted and gang-raped by six people in a moving bus in the capital city of New Delhi on the night of December 16, 2012 and thrown out of the vehicle. She died in a Singapore hospital on December 29. A special bench of the Indian apex court hearing the plea of convicts awarded death in the case has decided to sit two hours beyond its working time to ensure speedy disposal of the case that has been pending in the court for more than two years. The convicts Vinay Sharma (23), Akshay Thakur (31), Mukesh (29) and Pawan Gupta (22) were awarded death sentence by a trial court in September 2013 and six months later the Delhi High Court upheld their conviction and sentence. All the convicts then approached the Supreme Court which in 2014 had stayed their execution and the matter is pending in the top court since then. The Delhi High Court had upheld their conviction and award of death penalty by terming the offence as 'extremely fiendish' and 'unparalleled in the history of criminal jurisprudence' and said the exemplary punishment was the need of the hour. Though arguments started in April before a three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra, arguments will have to be made afresh since the combination of judges in the bench has been changed. The bench comprises Justices Dipak Misra, C. Nagappan and Ms. R. Banumathi. (ANI)

Final hearing in India's landmark gang rape case to begin today

nirbhaya

Nirbhaya, News on Nirbhaya, stories on Nirbhaya, articles on Nirbhaya, Nirbhaya stories at Wion, Nirbhaya news, Nirbhaya latest news