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A reflection on the recommendations of Justice Verma committee, with focus on changes in the Police force. A search for solutions by Chhavi Goenka cgoenka@gmail.com. These reported numbers are not small!. Imagine what the actual numbers must be!. According to a report in 2002,
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A reflection on the recommendations of Justice Verma committee, with focus on changes in the Police force A search for solutionsby ChhaviGoenkacgoenka@gmail.com
These reported numbers are not small! Imagine what the actual numbers must be! According to a report in 2002, on an average 15000 rapes are reported in India.
Police – Protectors or Perpetrators?!
Problems • Custodial Rape or rape by policemen • Failure to file an FIR • Failure to investigate • Political intervention • Frequent Transfers
Police reforms suggested by Justice Verma Committee • Bill of rights for women • 7-10 years, extendable to life imprisonment, for custodial rape • 5 years imprisonment for failure to file FIR • Fixed tenure for senior staff of police • Investigation of every misconduct, proper equipment and training for investigation • Prevent political interference in transfers and assignments • Prevent political interference for proper accountability
Government’s response - Justice Verma report delayed, Justice to many denied • Ignores the bill of rights for women drafted by the committee • Punishment for failure to register FIR or biased investigation is just a token 1 year; no police reforms • The ordinance continues to provide a shield of impunity to the powerful. There are no provisions against candidates charge sheeted for sexual violence. • The ordinance retains the requirement of ‘prior permission’ for prosecution of public servants/ judges/ magistrates/ army officers. • No provision for investigation or punishment of senior police/army officers for custodial rapes that are committed at their orders or with their knowledge in custody by their junior officers. • How can we get justice for • RuchikaGirhotra or SoniSori (molested by a police officer), • Geetika Sharma or RupamPathak (raped by MLAs) • ThangjamManorama (raped by army personnel) Sources: http://www.indiaresists.com, http://www.tehelka.com
Kanoonnahi Sarkarandhihai And that needs to change!