Indian President approves death penalty in some rape cases
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Buy SPH photosNEW DELHI (AFP) - India's president on Sunday approved harsher punishments for rapists, including the death penalty, after a brutal gang rape in New Delhi sparked national outrage and triggered demands for tougher laws.
President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the new rape law two days after cabinet ministers recommended changes to improve safety for women.
"The Indian president has given his assent to the ordinance on crime against women. It comes into effect immediately but it will also be tabled before the parliament," a senior officer in the president's office said.
A government-appointed panel and the cabinet had recommended tougher laws after the death of a 23-year-old woman who was savagely raped and attacked in a bus on Dec 16 and died nearly two weeks later.
