Madhya Pradesh minister wants quick gun licences for rape victims

Chitnis said the proposal seeks to cut through the red tape, and hasten the process of issuing licences for women who apply for it. “We are not going to visit every rape victim’s home and hand over a gun licence,’’ she said, adding that the possibility of misuse cannot be an argument against issuing the licence. “The victim will not be able to carry a gun during court appearances because, like others, she too will be checked at the entrance. There are rules in place for carrying guns and these will apply to them as well,” she said.

The minister said the proposal was inspired by the legislation passed earlier this month.

While moving the Bill in the assembly, State Law Minister Rampal Singh had said that incidents of rape and sexual harassment were on the rise in the state. In the last three years, many victims of sexual harassment have committed suicide, he said, while arguing for stringent punishment even for offences like stalking and sex on the pretext of marriage.

The Congress, meanwhile, said the proposal to expedite gun licences for women was an admission by the government that it had failed to provide security to rape victims. It said issuing a gun licence would lead to disclosure of identity, in violation of court orders.

“If the rape victim moves with a gun, she will be branded as a victim for life,’’ said Congress leader J P Dhanopia. “It would be better to give free revolvers to girls and women so that that they protect themselves before the crime is committed than to give guns after they fall prey.’’

Curated For You

‘We will come looking for you’: In Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says law pertaining to EC will be changed retrospectively

Dhurandhar box office collection day 5: Ranveer Singh film earns Rs 152.75 crore; set to become actor’s highest grosser

Shabana Azmi found ‘motherhood’ to be very demanding, found it ‘tough’ to believe that she couldn’t have children: ‘Society makes you feel incomplete’