Call for special session of Parliament over gang-rape case

The capital has witnessed spontaneous protests with people mostly youths turning out at protest sites in large numbers, similar to what was witnessed in Aug 2011

The Opposition has called for a special session of Parliament even as public fury over the gang rape and murderous attack on a medical student and her friend in Delhi last Sunday poured into the streets of Delhi for the fifth consecutive day.

The capital has witnessed spontaneous protests with people mostly youths turning out at protest sites in large numbers, similar to what was  witnessed in August 2011.

While the August protests culminated in a special session of Parliament called to discuss the Lok Pal Bill, the protests that have followed the rape are also leading in the same direction.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj today raised demands for a special session of Parliament. Swaraj said on Twitter that she has suggested to the Prime Minister who has agreed to consider it.

Yesterday Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal had also called for a special session to pass a new law to ensure trial and verdict on a rapist within two months . Kejriwal and the other speakers said yesterday that the parliamentarians have all gone home after the winter session not bothering about the safety of the public even as a rape victim is fighting for her life in a Delhi hospital..Members of Aam Aadmi Party were later called for a meeting in Sonia Gandhi's residence where Moti lal Vora spoke to them on her behalf, a party spokesperson said.

Motilal Vora  told us that fast track courts are required for which a law has to be made. He did not give any time frame, said a party spokespers

Crowds mostly youth and students today poured out from no where, without being anchored or guided by any one organisation. Students from Delhi Public School, from various private colleges in Delhi could be seen in the gatherings arriving in groups.

All India Democratic Womens Asosciation affiliated to the Marxist Party is just one of the many organisations which are taking part in the impromptu gatherings outside Safdarjung Hospital, and Raisiina Hill.

Many Resident Welfare Associations have been organising candle light marches around residential apartments similar to the ones that were carried out when Anna Hazare was arrested last year.

The Government has also reacted to the public fury. Delhi Police today called a press conference to detail steps taken to ensure safety of women in Delhi while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to work for the safety of women in Delhi.
 
Public anger and support for the student protesters in Delhi was reflected in Twitter too. Many tweeted in protest against the tear gas and water cannon attack by Delhi police on  protesters in Raisina Hill.