(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha on March 19, 2013 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha March 19, 2013 (iii) Passed in Rajya Sabha March 21March, 2013 (iv) Gazette Notification April2, 2013 

     As Introduced                                      Errata                                                Act 13 of 2013 

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 4th December, 2012 in order to provide for stringent punishment for crimes against women, as also to provide for more victim friendly procedures in the trials of such cases. After the horrendous incident of gang rape, which occurred on 16th December, 2012 in Delhi, a Committee, headed by Justice J. S. Verma was set up to make recommendations on amending the various laws to provide for speedy justice and enhanced punishment for offenders in cases of sexual assault of extreme nature. The Justice Verme Committee submitted its Report on 23rd January, 2013. 2. It was felt necessary to bring the revised laws into effect as soon as possible, as any crime against women committed during the period when the law is in making will be punishable only under the existing laws. In view of the urgency of the matter, the Criminal Law(Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 was promulgated on 3rd February, 2013. 3. The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs examined the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and tabled its Report in Parliament on 1st March, 2013. Keeping in view the recommendations of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, the recommendations of Justice Verma Committee and the views and comments received from various quarters including women groups, the Government have drafted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013. 4. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2103 seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. These amendments seek to:— (a) make specific provisions for punishment for the offences of causing grievous hurt by acid attack and also for an attempt thereof; (b) define and prescribe punishment for the offences of stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment; (c) widen the definition of rape; broaden the ambit of aggravated rape; and enhance the punishment thereof; (d) prescribe for punishment extending to the sentence of death, for an offence where in the course of commission of an offence of rape, the offender inflicts any injury which causes the death of the victim or causes the victim to be in a persistentvegetative state; (e) punish the repeat offenders of rape with imprisonment for life (which shall mean the remainder of the person’s natural life), or with death; (f) prescribe that those convicted for the offence of gang rape shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of twenty years extendable to life (whichshall mean the remainder of that person’s natural life) and fine; to be paid to the victim to meet the medical expenses;