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MP Assembly passes Bill for awarding death penalty for rape of girls aged 12 years or below

Published

8 years ago

on

MP Assembly passes Bill for awarding death penalty for rape of girls aged 12 years or below

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Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s cabinet had approved the Bill last week; NCRB 2016 report shows MP has highest incidence of rape in India

Days after a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealed that Madhya Pradesh continued with its dubious distinction of the highest incidence of rape – including cases where the victims were minors – in the country, the state’s Assembly has unanimously passed a Bill that proposes death penalty for those guilty of raping girls aged 12 or below in the state.

The Bill, which will now be sent to the Centre which in turn has to then refer it to President Ram Nath Kovind for his assent, is titled Dand Vidhi (Madhya Pradesh Sanshodhan) Vidheyak, 2017.

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The passage of the Bill comes a week after the state cabinet, led by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, approved its draft for being tabled in the Vidhan Sabha.

The Bill proposes death penalty, life imprisonment till death or a minimum term of 14-year rigorous imprisonment for raping girls aged 12 or below – the quantum of punishment will follow the rarest of the rare principle and be granted after the presiding judge in the case factors in various aspects of the crime. For gang rape of girls aged 12 or less, minimum punishment has been increased to 20 years rigorous imprisonment while the maximum will be the death penalty.

It also proposes a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh against repeat offenders in cases of molestation, stalking or harassment besides the existing provision for a jail term. The Bill will also recognise ‘rape on the pretext of marriage’ as a separate category of crime against women that will be punishable at par with cases of rape.

The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, sources said, hopes that the stern provisions made under the Bill for sexual offences – especially against minor girls aged 12 years or below – will act as a deterrent for such crimes.

The government’s move to propose the radical changes to provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) also comes at a time when the Shivraj Singh Chouhan administration is facing increasing attacks from the Congress-led Opposition and civil society groups over the unabated rise in crimes against women in the state.

For several years in a row, MP has retained its dubious distinction of recording the highest number of rape cases in the country. This, even as Madhya Pradesh under Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state which coined the BJP’s poll slogan of Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao – a pitch for women’s empowerment and security.

According to the latest Crime in India report released by the National Crime Records Bureau Madhya Pradesh once again accounted for the highest number of rape cases in the country in 2016 – 4882 cases out of a total of 38947 registered rape cases. Uttar Pradesh with 4816 cases and Maharashtra with 4189 cases had ranked at the second and third spots respectively. MP had ranked number in the total cases of rape but with fewer cases – 4391 out of a countrywide total of 34556.

More worrisome, and also pertinent to the Bill passed by the MP Assembly on Monday, is the fact that as per the Crime in India 2016 report the state also ranked the highest in cases of rape (413) and gang rape (29) registered against juvenile while it ranked third highest in crimes registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to the NCRB report, Madhya Pradesh accounted for 4717 cases out of a countrywide total of 36022 cases registered under the POCSO Act. The only other states that fared worse than Madhya Pradesh in this category were Uttar Pradesh with 4954 cases and Maharashtra with 4815 such cases.

Speaking in the Assembly on the issue, Chouhan said those who rape minor girls do not have the right to live.

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pm modi speech

On the occasion of Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to the Indian Army, describing its soldiers as a symbol of selfless service who protect the nation with unwavering resolve, even in the most challenging circumstances.

In a message shared on social media platform X, the prime minister said the country salutes the courage and steadfast commitment of Indian Army personnel. He noted that their dedication to duty inspires confidence and gratitude among citizens across the country.

“Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions,” PM Modi said. He added that the nation remembers with deep respect those who have laid down their lives while serving the country.

Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to commemorate a historic moment in India’s military history. The day marks the appointment of Field Marshal K M Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, when he took over from British officer General Sir F R R Bucher.

The occasion serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s role in defending the country’s sovereignty and honour, as well as the sacrifices made by its personnel in the line of duty.

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Air India, IndiGo flights disrupted after Iran shuts airspace amid US tensions

International flights operated by Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were disrupted after Iran shut its airspace, forcing rerouting and cancellations.

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7 hours ago

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January 15, 2026

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Air india flight

International flights operated by Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were disrupted on Thursday after Iran abruptly shut its airspace to commercial aircraft, triggering delays and cancellations on several long-haul routes.

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace without providing an official explanation, as tensions remain elevated between Tehran and Washington and protests continue across the country against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Indian airlines issue travel advisories

Air India said its flights overflying the region are now operating through alternative routes, resulting in longer flight times and possible delays. The airline also confirmed that some services have been cancelled where rerouting is not feasible.

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India flights overflying the region are using alternate routing, which may lead to delays. Some flights are being cancelled where rerouting is currently not possible,” the airline said in a statement on social media.

Passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport, with the airline reiterating that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

IndiGo also acknowledged disruptions to its international network, describing the situation as a “sudden airspace closure” beyond the airline’s control. The carrier said it is working to assist affected passengers by offering alternative travel options.

Customers have been advised to use flexible rebooking options or claim refunds, depending on their preference.

SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, confirming that some of its flights have been impacted due to the closure of Iranian airspace.

Airspace shutdown linked to regional security concerns

According to official notices issued to pilots, Iran’s airspace closure is expected to remain in place until 7:30 am local time. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows earlier shutdowns during military confrontations involving Israel earlier this year.

Aviation risk monitoring platforms have noted that several international airlines are already avoiding Iranian airspace, citing concerns over possible military activity, air defence operations and the risk of misidentification of civilian aircraft.

The situation continues to be monitored closely, with further disruptions possible if the airspace restrictions are extended.

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