Sir,
The recommendations of Justice Verma Committee on the safety and security of the women are praiseworthy and have touched all aspects. The committee after examining all suggestions of public presented a detailed report including minimum punishment of 20 years for rape and murder, life term for gang rape, punishment for officers if they fail to register the case of women offences, disqualifications of MLAs and MPs on taking cognizance of crime by the court instead of conviction. Besides, new offences like disrobing women, voyeurism, stalking and trafficking have been included in the sexual crimes.
But one aspect of the report which really creates debate is the revision of section 6 of the AFSPA. By suggesting prosecution of the armed personnel by general courts instead of special courts constituted under AFSPA, it has questioned the very sanctity and integrity of these courts. As rightly said by GOC Srinagar based 15 corps of army Lt. General Om Prakash that AFSPA is no immunity for army personnel found involved in women crimes.
If any armed personnel commit any crime he will face action whether there is AFSPA or not. This part of the report give terrorists, insurgent groups and some politicians a stage to malign the image of the troops because there have been many instances in past where, after thorough investigation it came to light that the so called self proclaimed human rights the issues involving army and police. Thus that part of the report requires thorough debate and discussion. Any haste decision or over enthusiasm shall not serve any purpose unless cases are decided on fast basis and punishment is certain, if guilt is proved.
Yours etc…
Yuvraj Singh
Advocate
Ramnagar
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