Make provision for maximum punishment, says Harsimrat

Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday advocated strictest law with a provision of maximum punishment in cases of crime against women to avert the repetition of incidents like the Delhi gangrape.

Speaking to mediapersons after holding a sangat darshan programme in several villages of Mansa, Harsimrat said: "There is a need to enact strictest law with provisions of maximum punishment in cases of sexual assaults, sexual violence, molestation, abduction and kidnapping of women and children. Due to several lacunas in the existing laws related to crime against women, the conviction rate is only 20 per cent. The remaining accused are out."

Harsimrat also put her weight wait behind setting up fast track courts. "In cases of heinous crimes, fast track courts should be formed and proceedings conducted on a day-to-day basis so that criminals could put behind bars as early as possible, she said, adding that the Union government should enact of strictest of laws against such crimes.

Asked about the steps being taken by Punjab government to avoid such incidents, Harsimrat said: "In many districts, telephone helpline have been become operational for women in distress. The Mansa police has also started a 24X7 helpline, where women can call up by dialing 01652-220043 and 1091."

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