The motion for the consideration of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 as passed by Rajya Sabha

DR. D. RAVIKUMAR (VILUPPURAM): Hon. Madam Chairperson, Vanakkam. In order to check the offences against our girl children, this Bill has been brought with amendment enhancing the punishment for such offences against girl children. While considering the intention of the Bill, it is a welcome step. It is a big question whether this Bill will help us to stop those offences against girl children? Particularly this Act has been brought after the Nirbhaya case. After this Nirbhaya incident, such offences against girl children are on the rise. Child rape incidents are on the rise. That’s why Hon. Supreme Court suo motu took up the case in this regard. Justice Verma Commission set up by the Government of India observed that instead of concentrating on giving punishment to the perpetrators we should concentrate on prevention of such atrocities or offences. Under Indian Penal Code, IPC, 354 four sections A, B, C and D have been added to address this issue. Similarly, under IPC 362, two sections A and B have been included. Stalking, voyeurism and eve-teasing, which were not before, have been included as offences and punishments were awarded. But the Indian society has not understood the seriousness of these crimes. Particularly in the films, stalking and eve teasing scenes are rampant. These depictions are portrayed so casually in many of these films. Because of which those who commit these crimes do not feel guilty about that. Therefore, the Government of India should have the responsibility of sensitizing the people particularly people in film industry about the inclusion of sections like stalking, voyeurism and eve-teasing which were added to IPC as per the recommendations of Justice Verma Commission. When Selvi Jayalalitha was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the State Government implemented a scheme to sensitize the State Government Officials about the laws relating to protection of women. I request Hon. Minister, through you, to expand this Scheme to all over India. In order to effectively implement these laws, proper Special Courts are to be set up as per POCSO Act. Already existing District Courts should not to be designated as Special Courts. Moreover, the privacy of the affected girl children, the victims should be protected. Therefore, these Special Courts should be set up in providing such a protection to the victims. There should be stricter action ensuring effective implementation of the Act. The rate of conviction, if you see, it has drastically been reduced since 2006. The number of pending cases is on the rise. Necessary action should be initiated to address these issues and to minimize the pendency of cases. Thank you for this opportunity. Vanakkam.