RPF proposes 3-year jail term for eve-teasing aboard trains
Eve-teasing and harassing a woman on board a train could soon lead to a jail term of three years for the offender, according to a set of new provisions proposed by RPF for inclusion in Railway Act. During 2014-16, the crime against women in trains rose by 35% and 1,607 such cases got registered, the Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha. Here's more.
Proposes penalty more than what is prescribed under IPC
If this proposal to amend the Act is approved, then the penalty for outraging the modesty of a woman under the Railway Act would be more than that prescribed under the Indian Penal Code which is a maximum of one-year imprisonment.
RPF proposed hike in fine for men traveling in women-coaches
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also proposed a slew of provisions to be included in Railway Act which would give them the right to apprehend eve-teasers without the help of Government Railway Police (GRP), the official said. The RPF has also proposed a hike in the fine for men traveling in compartments reserved for women, from the present Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000
RPF will be able to act fast with these provisions
"Each time a case would happen where a woman has been assaulted or we find men traveling in women's compartments, we have to seek the aid of GRP because Railway Act didn't have a provision to deal with such crimes," said official. "We have proposed the inclusion of these provisions... we can act faster and don't need the help of GRP," he added.
RPF's other proposal: Fine of Rs. 2L for e-ticketing crimes
Presently, Section 162 deals with cases whereby male passengers can be fined for traveling in a compartment reserved for women. Apart from this, the Railway Police has also suggested the inclusion of a provision penalizing those committing e-ticketing frauds. It has recommended a fine of more than Rs. 2L for the offense along with a jail term of three years, a source said.
