UP Govt to discuss misuse of new rape law

BJP leader said, tougher rape law was being misused to settle political vendetta and should be looked into

Uttar Pradesh government today said that it would discuss the concerns raised by the BJP regarding misuse of the new rape law.

"We will see to it, concerned minister and me will sit and discuss on the apprehension of the BJP member regarding misuse of new rape law," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mohd Azam Khan said in Vidhan Sabha during question hour.

Khan was replying to BJP member Suresh Kumar Khanna who said the tougher rape law was being misused to settle "political vendetta" and should be looked into.

The minister said the law helped in sending mighty behind the bars but did not prove much useful.

"Those doing Tehelka and earned fame with exposures worldwide are now in Goa jail due to the law. However it has not proved much useful and the number of "gunahgar" (alleged culprits) have increased," Khan said.

Earlier, Women Welfare Minister Aruna Kori informed the house that the government has issued number of directives to check sexual exploitation at workplace.

"The government is serious in the matter and initiatives have been taken to check such incidents," Kori said.

During discussion, Leader of opposition Swami Prasad Maurya also suggested to launch public awareness campaigns, which the government said was already underway and would continue in future too.