Shakti Act: Maharashtra cabinet proposes strict penalties for crimes against women

On Wednesday, December 9, the state government approved a draft bill that has provisions for strict punishment against perpetrators of crime inflicted on women.

Shakti Act: Maharashtra cabinet proposes strict penalties for crimes against women
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In order to curb the atrocities against women in Maharashtra, On Wednesday, December 9, the state government approved a draft bill that has provisions for strict punishment, including the death penalty, life sentence, and hefty fines, for the perpetrators of crime along with a speedy trial for the victims.

As per reports, the draft bill seeks to amend relevant sections of the IPC, CrPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for the proposed law's application in the state.

The bill, known as the “Shakti Act” is to be modelled on the lines of Andhra Pradesh's Disha Act. Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had earlier visited Andhra Pradesh to learn about the same.

In view of the situation, speaking about the said law, Deshmukh has asserted that action will be taken against anyone who posts photos of women on social media in an inappropriate fashion. Moreover, the accused in this case can be sentenced to up to two years of imprisonment under the Shakti Act. In addition, the cabinet has approved the draft bill at a meeting in Mumbai and it is touted to be tabled in the state legislature during its upcoming winter session, Deshmukh further informed.

Furthermore, under the proposed legislation, a sum of ₹10 lakhs will be given to an acid attack victim for plastic surgery and facial reconstruction and the amount will be collected as fine from the convict.

In a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the bill will reportedly be tabled in the legislature in two parts - the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law (Maharashtra Amendment) Act, 2020 and the Special Court and Machinery for Implementation of Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law, 2020.

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