AMARAVATI, DEC 13
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday passed the Andhra Pradesh Disha Bill which mandates disposal of cases of atrocities against women within 21 days and handing out the death penalty.
The proposed new law has been named the ‘Andhra Pradesh Disha Act Criminal Law (AP Amendment) Act, 2019 as a tribute to the veterinary doctor who was raped and murdered recently in neighbouring Telangana.
State Home Minister M Sucharita moved the Bill in the Assembly, which the ruling YSR Congress called “revolutionary.”
The State government has tabled two Bills as a step towards providing harsher punishment – including death sentence – to those guilty of heinous crimes against women. The Bills have been titled the Andhra Pradesh Disha Act- Criminal Law (Andhra Pradesh Amendment) Act 2019, and Andhra Pradesh Disha Act- Andhra Pradesh Special Courts for Specified Offences Against Women and Children Act, 2019.
Tough laws, speedy justice
Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharita, introducing the Bills, said the government has decided to constitute exclusive special courts for speedy trial of specified offences against women and children by a new legislation. “Offences against women, especially sexual offences have increased many fold. In order to effectively control the sexual offences, it is necessary to complete the investigation and the trial of those cases within a time-frame. It is required to amend existing Laws Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 and Indian Penal Code 1860,” she said.
It may be recalled that the State Cabinet, a couple of days ago has approved the draft Disha Act that provides for harsher punishments, including death sentence, to those guilty of heinous crimes against women. Under this, the government proposes completion of trial in 21 days and awarding death sentence in rape cases. The Act would cover sexual offences against women and children, acid attacks and harassment of women.
Bill covers social media slander
The Government also decided to slap cases on people who slander women in the social media. First time offenders could face two-year jail term, while a repeat offence could attract double the punishment.
Bills set to bifurcate SC, ST panels
Two more Bills that enables setting up of separate Commissions for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes.
The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Schedule Tribes Bill, tabled by Minister for Tribal Welfare Pushpa Srivani, would provide for setting up of separate Commissions to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Tribes.
The Bill was necessitated after the State has decided to bifurcate the existing Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two separate Commissions.
The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Schedule Castes Bill, tabled by Social Welfare Minister P Viswaroop, would enable the setting up of a separate Commission to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes.
The two Bills were passed by voice vote.
