CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Bill amends the IPC, 1860 to increase the minimum punishment for rape of women from seven years to ten years. Rape and gang rape of girls below the age of 12 years will carry minimum imprisonment of twenty years and is extendable to life imprisonment or death.

Detailed explanation-2: -“376. Punishment for sexual assault – 1 (a) whoever, except in the cases provided for by sub-section (2) commits sexual assault shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to fine.

Detailed explanation-3: -Even though the IPC has been haphazardly amended more than 75 times, no comprehensive revision has been undertaken despite the 42nd report of the law commission in 1971 recommending it - the amendment bills of 1971 and 1978 lapsed due to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.