'Life term till death will deter rape'

A minimum punishment of life imprisonment till death without any remission will be the best deterrent for rape rather than the present 10 years, former Bar Council of Delhi Chairman KC Mittal has said.

Sending a slew of suggestions to the three-member panel headed by former Chief Justice of India JS Verma, Mittal said punishment for eve-teasing, stalking, outraging the modesty, sexual harassment at workplace and kidnapping also must be made more stringent.

The Verma commission was appointed to recommend changes in anti-rape laws.
He said life imprisonment with remission in case of good behaviour should be made the maximum punishment for juveniles involved in heinous crimes. "Future scope for reformation should not be completely obviated," Mittal said.

He also suggested introduction of a GSM-based SOS system. The application helps an individual relay SOS signal to a central security room which can activate the nearest police van.

"Indian women today do not confine to traditional and conventional roles but play a crucial role in nation-building. They work day and night and even travel during odd hours and wait at bus stands which expose them to eve teasing, harassment and violence", he said.

Noting that safety and security of a woman was the prime duty of the state, he said offenders should be adequately punished so that it acts as deterrence for others as well. Mittal said CCTVs should be installed at all prominent places and male and female police should be on duty at public places.