Tamil Nadu wants harsh punishment for those involved in rape and plans to set up Fast Track Mahila Courts in each district to investigate sexual assault cases.
This is part of the 13-point action plan that Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa announced today to ensure women's safety and prevent incidents of sexual harassment.
These measures follow the death of the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim last week. The incident ignited a national furore on the need for tough measures against perpetrators of such crimes.
The State will amend the Goondas Act to bring sexual assault cases under its purview.
Incidents of sexual assault will be treated as a grave crime with top police officials probing them, Jayalalithaa said in a statement.
Changes in the law
The State Government will urge the Centre to make necessary changes in the law to award the death penalty and chemical castration to those involved in such crimes.
The offence should be made nonbailable, she said.
Close-circuit television sets will be installed in all public buildings. Police personnel in plainclothes would also be deployed in important locations, including market places and women's colleges, to ensure women’s safety.
Besides meeting the entire medical expenses of women who suffer sexual assault, efforts would also be made for their rehabilitation. The State Government will also set up a Women Helpline service.