Mumbai: Like the ‘Disha’ law of Andhra Pradesh, the way has been cleared for the implementation of ‘Shakti’ law in Maharashtra to prevent atrocities on women. The Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved the ‘Shakti’ Bill introduced by the Maha Vikas Aghadi Government. Leader of the Opposition Devendra Fadnavis and other opposition MLAs also supported the bill, introduced by Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil. Fadnavis stressed on proper implementation of the law.
After the incident of acid attack on a woman at Hinganghat in Wardha district of the state, the state government had decided to enact a new law similar to the ‘Disha’ law of Andhra Pradesh. In this regard, the then Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and senior police officers had also visited Andhra Pradesh to inquire about the law. While the discussion on the draft of the law was going on, in the meantime an incident of horrific rape took place in Sakinaka, Mumbai. After which the state government decided to implement the amended Power Act.
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will be presented to the Legislative Council for approval
After the Power Bill is passed in the Legislative Assembly, it will now be presented in the Legislative Council for approval. After the approval of the Legislative Council, it will be sent to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for approval. After getting approval from there, the concerned bill will be converted into law and that law will be implemented in the state.
Important Provisions in the Power Act
- In the case of atrocities on women, the charge sheet will be filed within 21 days to bring the accused to justice.
- Crimes like acid attack and rape on women will be made non-bailable. Also, if women are harassed through e-mail, electronic or text messages, and if they are commented on inappropriately, they will also be punished severely.
- There is a provision of punishment including imprisonment for two years for harassing through digital messages.
- In rare cases of gang rape or rape, there is a provision of capital punishment. Rape cases are classified as life imprisonment or life imprisonment
- Penalty of Rs 10 lakh or imprisonment for life for gang-rape of a girl below 16 years of age.