Crimes against women unpardonable sins, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called crimes against women 'unpardonable sins', adding that those who assist in these crimes should also be held accountable.

"Today, I want to tell every political party in the country and state governments that crimes against women are an unforgivable sin. Whoever is guilty should not be spared and whoever is supporting them in any kind should also face the consequences," Modi said while addressing a 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in Jalgaon.

He was referring to the recent outrage over the Kolkata doctor's rape and murder and the Badlapur school sexual assault case.


Emphasising on accountability Modi said, "Whether it's in a hospital, school, office or the police system, wherever negligence occurs, everyone must be held accountable. This message should go very clearly from top to bottom. This sin is unpardonable. Governments come and go. However, our biggest responsibility as a society and government is the dignity and safety of women."

He stressed on how the Centre was serious in protecting women and said that the new laws under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita had the harshest punishment for those who commit crimes against women.

"Earlier, there were complaints about FIRs not being registered on time, cases not being heard and delays in justice. We have removed many such obstacles in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita." Modi said.

He added, "Now, if a woman does not want to go to the police station, she can file an e-FIR. Nobody can change or tamper with an e-FIR." He said the new laws have provisions for faster investigation for crimes against women and severe punishment like death penalty and life imprisonment for the culprits in heinous cases of violence against minors and women.

Modi said that the BNS also has sections to deal with cases where women were cheated by false promises of marriage.