A strong plea to set free women prisoners above the age of 75 years was made in the Rajya Sabha today on the International Women's Day.
As the House met after lunch, Congress MP Rajiv Shukla made this suggestion saying those women who have crossed 75 years of age should be given amnesty.
Shukla also suggested that the government should consider whether those women undergoing sentence for heinous offences, could be freed if they have spent five years behind bars.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked Shukla if there were cases of such women languishing in prisons. As Shukla pressed his suggestion, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Home Ministry would be apprised of the suggestion and added that the issue pertained to state governments.
As the House proceeded to take other business, Kurien told Shukla that it was a "good suggestion.
