By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, DEC 25, 2012: THE recent incident of rape and brutal assault on a young woman in Delhi has shaken the conscience of the nation and has triggered a serious debate amongst jurists, civil society members and women's groups about inadequacy of the present laws to protect the safety and dignity of women.

The Government has given anxious consideration to the need for reviewing the present laws so as to provide for speedier justice and enhanced punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assault. For that purpose, a Committee has been constituted by the Union Government on 23.12.2012 under the Chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) J.S. Verma, former Chief Justice of India. The other two Members are – (i) Justice Leila Seth, former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court (ii) Gopal Subramanian, former Solicitor General of India, former Chairman of Bar Council of India and eminent Jurist.

The Committee has to submit its Report within 30 days. The public in general and particularly the eminent jurists, legal professionals, NGOs, Women's Groups and civil Society members are requested to share with this Committee their views, knowledge and experience suggesting possible amendments in the criminal laws and other relevant laws to provide for quicker investigation, prosecution and trial as also enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault of extreme nature against women.

The suggestions can be sent by e-mail to justice.verma@nic.in or through fax at 011-23092675.

The suggestions should be sent by January 05, 2013 so as to enable the committee to complete its task and give its report with necessary recommendations within the available time.

Meanwhile, the Govt has issued a Press Release giving details of various steps taken by it. They are as follows:

1. (24.12.2012) PM addressed the Nation

Prime Minister addresses the nation and expresses concern: Says anger and anguish is justified. Promises that Government will “examine without delay all aspects concerning safety of women and children and punishment to those who commit these monstrous crimes”.

2. Helpline setup for women:-

A three number helpline with number 181 has been setup for women in distress.

3. (24.12.2012) Home Minister appealed to the protectors.

Home Minister through interview to various channels appealed to the protesters to return home as the Government has taken firm action on all issues.

4. (24.12.2012) Fast Track Hearing

Union Home Minister and Delhi CM met Chief Justice, Delhi High Court today for starting fast track hearing in the recent gang-rape case.

Victim being given best possible medical care. Condition is being monitored regularly.

5. (24.12.2012) Committee of Three Eminent Jurists Constituted

Justice Verma Committee begins functioning to look into possible amendments to the criminal law for the quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals, accused of committing sexual assault of extreme nature against women.

The Committee has intimated all concerned to send their responses through email at justice.verma@nic.in or through fax at 011-23092675 latest by January 05, 2013.

Government had constituted on 23.12.2012 a three eminent jurists committee to review the existing laws and suggest suitable changes.

This Committee is headed by Shri Justice (Retd.) J.S.Verma , former Chief Justice of India, Smt . Justice ( Retd .) Leila Seth, Former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh and Shri Gopal Subramaniam , Former Solicitor General of India.

This Committee will submit its report within 30 days.

6. (22.12.2012) Steps for safer travel

* Action has been taken against the transporter whose bus was involved in the crime.

* Improvement in the public transport system by increasing the number of buses at night.

* GPS will be installed on all public transport vehicles to ensure that they do not stray from their scheduled routes.

* It will be ensured that all personnel deployed on public transport carry identification badges and are verified.

7. Commission of Inquiry

* Government will set up a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1952 to review responses to this shocking crime .

8. Police

* Action taken against erring Policemen.

* Proactive and enhanced patrolling by police vans/ motor cycles has started along routes taken by families and women returning late at night from entertainment hubs and work places.