Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Bill passed: Death penalty for offenders

A landmark bill ensuring better protection and safety of the minors of the country, the members of the Lok Sabha voted unanimously for the approval of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Thursday. With the passing of the bill on Lok Sabha, although the bill awaits to be passed in the Upper House now, the road to protect the children of the nation from the sexual assault has been paved.

Now as per the newly passed bill, there will be death penalty for the severe crime of sexual assault on children. This is to be noted that the members of the Lok Sabha passed the bill joined hands to make unanimous voting towards passing the bill through voice votes.

Another crucial factor mentioned in the bill is child pornography. The bill has taken to make a clear definition of child pornography and has stated that any act of promoting or indulging children in child pornography will be liable to be punished.

Union women and child development minister Smriti Irani tabled the bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday and expressed her gratitude towards all House members for their support. Irani said, “I thank everyone for unanimously supporting this bill. I want to say that I share their angst that justice should be done and I also share their concern with regard to implementation. The way MPs rose above party lines is exemplary."

Further, the bill states that the criminals proved to have committed sexual assault against children also received a minimum of 20 years of rigourous imprisonment. For the offenders of using a child for pornographic purposes, a punishment of minimum of five years of jail term and seven years imprisonment for the repeated offence is also mentioned in the bill.

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