Specific clauses for stalking, voyerism in anti-rape bill: RPN

NEW DELHI: Government today said specific provisions have been incorporated in the anti-rape bill passed by Parliament for stalking and voyerism and had it come earlier incidents like Priyadarshini Mattoo murder would not have taken place.

"Emphasis have been given on checking crimes like stalking and voyerism. If this bill had come earlier, Priyadarshini Mattoo would have been alive," Minister of State for Home R P N Singh told reporters after the Rajya Sabha approved the legislation formulated in the wake of the December 16 gangrape of a 23-year-old student here, completing the parliamentary clearance to the law. The Lok Sabha has already passed the bill.

Priyadarshini Mattoo, a 23-year-old law student, was raped and killed by a lawyer Santosh Singh after consistent stalking on January 23, 1996.

The Minister said there could be certain shortcomings in the Bill but that could be changed with amendments later.

Asked about the Supreme Court verdict on 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, Singh said he respected the apex court's order as law was equal to all, even though he was sad for the relatives of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt.

"We respect the verdict. I am sad for Sanjay Dutt's relatives. It is unfortunate... Sanjay's sister is an MP. As I said, law is equal for all," he said.

The Bollywood actor will have to undergo a jail term of more than three years after the Supreme Court today upheld his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case which it said was organised by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and others with the involvement of Pakistan's ISI.