“PRESS RELEASE: Eastern Regional Consultation on ‘Review of Criminal Law: Improvement in Status of Women’.”

National Commission for Women (NCW) Eastern Regional Consultation for the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar on ‘Review of Criminal Law: Improvement in Status of Women’ was organized by National Law University Odisha, Cuttack on 17 February 2022. The objective of this consultation was to review and analyze the position of law; and formulate consolidated recommendations for viable amendments keeping in view the perspective and position of women in India. This regional consultation witnessed participation from members of State Women Commissions, NGOs, members of Civil Societies, Delegates from Academia, Legal Professionals, Police Personnel and Prison Officials to give their views and opinions through deliberations in focused group discussions. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Ved Kumari, Vice-Chancellor, National Law University Odisha, where she delineated the questions and points to be discussed during the consultation process. Ms. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW delivered the inaugural address. Dr. Usha Ramanathan, noted academician and leading human rights activist, shared her insights on ‘Looking at Criminal Law through the Lens of Women Studies’. Other notable speakers were Mr. Debi Prasad Dhal, Members, Bar Council of India, and Prof. Gangotri Chakraborty.

The consultation programme revolved around extensive discussion and deliberation on sexual offences; offences relating to marriage; cruelty by husband and his relatives; maintenance of wives, children and parents; need for modification in provisions of arrest, search and seizure, etc. among other important points. At the end of the consultation, some of the resolutions were as follows – marital rape as an exception should be deleted and should be treated as an offence. However, there were concerns on standard of proof, punishment, etc.; Section 498 of IPC (abduction of a married woman) should be repealed as regular abduction provision will be applicable; Section 498A should remain a cognizable offence; battered woman syndrome should be included under right of private defence; a sexual offenders’ registry should be maintained although with confidentiality being maintained; emphasis on speedy justice; gender neutral terms in sexual offences should be used with victims including third gender as well. There should be inclination towards rehabilitation and restorative justice as well. The participants of the consultation programme also emphasized on strengthening existing support systems under criminal law, and better implementation of existing laws rather than adding or creating more laws and provisions.

• Report of NCW Consultation

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