Justice Verma headed the three-member committee which was constituted by the government in the wake of the December 16 gangrape incident to suggest amendments to anti-rape laws.
On January 23, the committee submitted its recommendations seeking minimum 20 years imprisonment for gangrape and life term for rape and murder but refrained from prescribing death penalty. It also suggested amendment of criminal laws to provide for higher punishment to rapists, including those belonging to police and public servants.
New offences have been created and stiffer punishment has been suggested for those committing rape and leaving the victim in a vegetative state. These include disrobing a woman, voyeurism, stalking and trafficking.
Justice Verma said he took the chairmanship of the committee after Chidambaram called him up at the behest of Prime Minister Singh and he had not talked to Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde even once till now.
Asked why death penalty was not recommended by the penal for rape, Justice Verma said there was unanimous view of women groups against it.
