Fake New Alert: Don't believe Whatsapp rumours, Modi govt hasn't passed law giving women right to kill potential rapists
A WhatsApp forward has been doing the rounds following the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Finally a new law passed by MODI Govt today. As per Indian Penal Code 233. If a girl is suspected to be raped or getting raped, then she has the supreme right to kill the man, or harm that person as dangerously and girl won't be blamed for murder. Tell as many as you can its your power create awareness. Share this as many as you can," the forward that has been doing the rounds says.
There are two myth busters here: Firstly, this forward first did the rounds in January 2017 and secondly, IPC Section 233 relates to counterfeiting currency and says ‘Whoever makes or buys, sells or disposes of any die or instrument for the purpose of counterfeiting coin, shall be punished with imprisonment and shall also be liable to a fine.’
On Friday, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi called for amendments in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and has even asked for death penalty on those convicted of raping minors.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday announced to enact a new law to make rape of minors punishable by death.
"We will never ever let another child suffer in this way. We will bring a new law that will make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors, so that little girl’s case becomes the last," Mehbooba tweeted.
Earlier Mehbooba promised that the law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions and statements of a group of people.
DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal, too, is on a hunger strike to protest rapes on minors, and demanding death penalty for rapists.