New Delhi, December 31
Two days after the death of the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has sent letters to all political parties inviting suggestions on the issue of amending laws pertaining to rape.

At present, anti-rape laws are seen to be lax with very low conviction rates. According to the National Crimes Record Bureau, there were 22,171 reported cases of rapes in the country in 2010. The conviction rate in these cases stood at just 26.6 per cent. In the same year, 40,613 molestation cases were reported with 29.7 per cent convictions.

The maximum punishment for rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code is life term. But those convicted are often let off after serving only a few months or years. Moreover, proving the offence of rape in courts is a traumatic experience for victims.

One suggestion being considered by the government is having fast-track courts with fixed periods for such trials.

Kochi
BJP too wants chemical castration for rapists: The BJP on Monday suggested maximum punishment to the accused in rape cases-- either death penalty or chemical castration. "There should be maximum punishment to the rapists, death penalty or emasculation (chemical castration of the rapist)," senior BJP leader Venkiah Naidu told reporters here. His suggestions come close on the heels of the Congress proposing castration for rapists. PTI

New Delhi
Girl’s family to get Rs 15 lakh relief: The Delhi Government on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the family of the gang-rape victim who died on Saturday. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dkshit, said an official. IANS

INDIVIDUALS’ SAY
Individuals desiring to make suggestions can do so by sending emails to the Verma panel at justice.verma@nic.in or by sending fax messages to 011-23092675