Mulayam govt pushes for change in two IPC sections

The Mulayam Singh government plans to push for amendments in two sections of the India Penal Code—Section 354, dealing with outraging the modesty of a woman, and Section 304 A, dealing with death caused by a rash/ negligent act. At present, an offender faces a two-year jail sentence and fine or both under the two sections.

Legal experts in the state government opine that when the gravity of a crime is compared to the harm done to a victim, the punishment seems far less. ‘‘We are thinking of recommending punishment for a minimum of 10 years,’’ said former acting chief justice of UP, Vishnu Sahai, the chairperson of the state’s Law Commission.

The Commission is currently holding discussions on the need for amendments in the two IPC sections.