Sir — The very fact that those who were convicted in Nirbhaya’s rape case, are yet to be hanged, shows that there is no appropriate mechanism in the Indian criminal justice framework to ensure a sense of closure for victims. Though there have been amendments in the law and fast-tracking of rape cases have been introduced, it is common knowledge that the system has been subverted against the interest and welfare of the victim.
It is time the country gets a victim rights’ code, which recognises victims of crimes as independent right holders, having a greater say in the prosecution process.
While one may have different opinions on the death penalty, it should be kept in mind that India recognises and accepts death penalty as an appropriate mode of punishment, and efforts to dilute the same by procedural hurdles is unfortunate.