BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- An Indian government panel reviewing the country’s laws on sex crimes has called for strict enforcement of the law, faster trials and changes to the country’s antiquated penal code in the wake of a fatal gang rape of a student in New Delhi last month.

The former Chief Justice of India J.S. Verma, who headed the report, advocates strict punishment to prevent sexual harassment of women and reforms in the treatment of rape victims. The panel recommends that police and other officials who fail to act appropriately should be punished.

J.S. Verma. Former India Chief Justice, said, "Any officer who fails to register a case of rape reported to him or attempts to stop its investigation commits an offence which shall be punishable as prescribed. We have also taken into account offences of eve-teasing, voyeurism, stalking, as well as sexual assault and unsolicited sexual conduct."

The three-member panel received more than 80,000 suggestions for a complete overhaul in the criminal justice system’s treatment of violence against women since it was set up a month ago to help quell street protests sparked by the rape. Activists and lawyers have criticised the existing laws on crimes against women as archaic and riddled with loopholes, allowing perpetrators to get away lightly.

They called for updating the law to include crimes such as voyeurism, stalking and other crimes against women. It was also suggested the government appoint more judges to lessen the backlog of cases and ensure swift justice.

(Source: cntv.com)