Question

The Committee which led to the passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 was headed by

• A. Justice Dalveer Bhandari
• B. Justice Altamas Kabir
• C. Justice J.S. Verma
• D. Justice A.S. Anand

Hint:

The 2013 Criminal Law Amendment, which significantly changed laws on sexual offences, is directly linked to the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, formed in the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Following the brutal gang rape and murder case in Delhi in December 2012 (the "Nirbhaya" case), there was a nationwide outcry for stronger laws against sexual violence. The Government of India constituted a three-member committee to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law to provide for quicker trials and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women. This committee was headed by the former Chief Justice of India, Justice J.S. Verma, and its other members were Justice Leila Seth and Gopal Subramaniam. The committee's recommendations formed the basis of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.