Need to tighten law for making cases related to sexual crimes fast-tracked: Moily

NEW DELHI - Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Tuesday stressed on the need to tighten laws to ensure that cases relating to sexual crimes are fast tracked.

Speaking in the wake of today’s verdict in the Ruchika molestation case, Moily revealed that the Law Ministry has drafted laws on sexual offences related to children, teenagers and women and even proposed amending the Evidence Act.

“The draft laws suggest quick investigation and fast tracking of cases. It (cases) should be over within one year,” he informed.

He also informed that the government is considering making molestation a non-bailable, cognisable offence in which the accused can be arrested on the basis of a complaint.

According to the draft of the proposed Sexual Crimes (Special Courts) Bill, 2010, the Law Ministry has proposed making molestation a cognisable and non-bailable offence.

So far, a person accused of molestation under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code could be granted bail as the maximum punishment stipulated is less than three years.

Reacting over the verdict in the Ruchika-molestation case, Moily said: “The enhanced punishment handed down to Rathore would send a clear cut message that use of power and authority to commit a crime would not go unpunished.”

He said the punishment would “drive fear” in the mind of the people that if they commit such a crime, they will meet the same fate.

A sessions court today enhanced the jail term of Rathore from six months to one-and-a-half years for molesting a 14-year-old girl 20 years ago. (ANI)