The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013:

Introduction The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 has its origin in the demands of the society for a better and safe environment for women and in its deep anguish against the despicable crime of rape.1 This Act amends the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The Act introduces long, overdue changes in the law, it is the first step in the long journey to ending violence against women in India through criminal law, police reforms and curricular reforms intended to change the mentality of future generations Background The nation-wide outrage over the tragic Delhi gang-rape, Nirbhaya (Fearless) incident of December 16, 2012 created a butterfly effect leading to the present law. This incident generated huge international coverage and was condemned by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, who called up the Government of India and Delhi to do everything in their power to take up radical reforms and the like to make womens lives safer and secure2 It propelled the Government of India to drive the issue of violence against women to the centre-stage of political discourse3 The Criminal Amendment Act was, thus, recognised as the need of the hour and the bill was passed in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 123 of the Constitution, wherein it is provided that where the Parliament is not in session and the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action the same may be done. Justice Verma Committee The Government of India appointed a three-member judicial committee headed by the former Chief Justice of India, Justice J. S. Verma, Justice Leila Seth and Gopal Subramanium, requesting them to submit a report within 30 days. The key objective of the Commission was to review for possible
1

Shashank, "Is the Criminal (Amendment) Act, 2013 - The Right Weapon to fight against Rape?", Lawyers Club India, February 2014, <http://www.lawyersclubindia.com/articles/Is-the-Criminal-Amendment-Act-2013-The-Right-Weaponto-fight-against-Rape--5995.asp#.U0Dc_fmSz7Z> 2 "The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 - Anti Rape Bill 2013", <http://www.ycce.edu/admin/pdf/Antirape_bill_2013.pdf> 3 Bhattacharyya, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Will It Ensure Womens Safety In Public Spaces?, Space And Culture, India 2013, 1:1, <http://www.spaceandculture.in/index.php/spaceandculture/article/view/11/2>

amendments to the criminal law and suggest measures for faster trials and harsher penalties for vicious offences related to violence against women.