The Union Cabinet on Friday approved amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, introducing death penalty for aggravated sexual crimes against minors.
Briefing media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government has approved the death penalty in aggravated sexual offences under the POCSO Act.
Earlier this year, Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi had proposed the amendments in the aftermath of the horrific Kathua gangrape and murder case which had sparked countrywide outrage.
Citizens from all walks of life had taken to the streets in protest demanding the immediate arrest of those accused in the murder and gang-rape of a 7-year-old girl.
The Madhya Pradesh state government, earlier this year, announced death penalty as punishment for sexual crimes against children.
(With inputs from agencies)
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