This Article is From Feb 14, 2013

Kerala assembly refers bill on women's dignity to panel

Kerala assembly refers bill on women's dignity to panel
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly on Thursday referred to the subject committee of the house a bill to safeguard women from harassment and protect their dignity and privacy.

State Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan piloted the Kerala Protection of Privacy and Dignity of Women Bill, 2013, which is intended to prevent harassment and any other attempt or activity to intrude into the privacy and dignity of women and related matters, as per its preamble.

A discussion was held on the bill for more than three hours with active participation from both the treasury and opposition benches. At the end, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that in order to have a comprehensive law, it would be better if it is sent to the subject committee and opinion is sought from other stakeholders also.

Initially, it was understood that this new bill would come into force at once, on being passed.

The bill suggests tough action with imprisonment up to seven years if the dignity of women is violated at any place.

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