Won't end fast till law implemented: Swati Maliwal

With the Central government proposing death penalty for rapists of children younger than 12, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal, who entered into her eighth day of indefinite hunger strike on Friday, said she won't end her fast until the law comes into force.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed Maliwal's efforts and appealed her to end the hunger strike after the Centre reportedly informed the Supreme Court that it has initiated the process to amend the POCSO Act to ensure death penalty in child rape cases. "Congratulations Swati. Jai Hind. You should now end the fast. We all should now work towards effective implementation of these laws and keep working towards rest of the demands," the CM tweeted.

However, the women's body chief refused to end her strike and said, "Every day affidavits are submitted in courts by the government. Unless the law comes into enforcement, I won't stop. The law has to be death penalty within six months to those convicted for raping minors."

Maliwal, 33, has been on hunger strike at Delhi's Azad Maidan demanding death penalty for child rapists. She has refused to end her strike despite medical warnings issued by the doctors. "The police initially asked me to vacate the place. Now, the DCP has come with entire police force with a false doctor's report saying my life is in danger. But I can run for 5 km. They will forcibly pick me up in the night. They are not allowing me to consult a private doctor. What is the fear @narendramodi?" she tweeted.

Earlier on Friday, Maliwal wrote to the Ministry of Finance seeking status on the proposal of increase in the police force in the Capital. "While the acute shortage of staff felt by the Delhi Police itself may or may not seem urgent on files but at the grassroots, it's having a dangerous effect. As it is, even the sanctioned strength of police personnel per police station is extremely inadequate given the severe workload on each police personnel as well as the demands of the profession," she said.

Protest

CM Kejriwal hailed Maliwal’s efforts and appealed her to end the strike after the Centre informed the SC that it has initiated the process to amend the POCSO Act to ensure death penalty in child rape cases.