RR Patil promises fast-track justice in Pune rape case

Home minister RR Patil announced in the state assembly that the Pune rape case would be handed over to a fast-track court and Ujjwal Nikam to be appointed as special public prosecutor.
Patil said rape cases pending for long would also be handed over to the fast track court and a request would be made to the high court for more such courts.

The issue of the security of women in the state was brought up for discussion in the assembly by BJP MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh. Patil said various measures had been taken up by his department to ensure women’s safety.

Patil said the government had recommended amendments in the various sections of the IPC on women related crimes. “We have recommended amendment in section 323, 354, 509 to increase punishment as well as fines for crimes against women. Rise in quantum of punishment will help curb such crimes,” he said.
The home department has planned Women Safety Committees at the district level to ensure effective and speedy monitoring of problems faced by women. “The committees, comprising noted women lawyers, doctors and professors, will meet once every two months,” Patil said.