New Delhi: Three Criminal Acts came into force today, abolishing several British-era laws in the Indian judiciary. The Act provides for severe penalties to reduce the increasing number of crimes against women and children. The Indian Justice Code provides for punishment of crimes against women and children under a total of 36 sections. A case of rape will be registered under Section Section 64 provides for a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Section 65 provides for rigorous imprisonment of 20 years, life imprisonment and fine for rape of a victim under 16 years of age. Gang rape carries life imprisonment for the perpetrator if the victim is an adult.
Rape of a victim under the age of 12 carries a minimum sentence of 20 years, life imprisonment or death penalty. The offense of sexual intercourse with the inducement of marriage will be considered a separate offense from rape. In other words, it is not included in the definition of rape. The victim will be notified of every update related to his case through SMS to his mobile number at every stage. The update period is set at 90 days.
