Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha saw members of all parties raising serious concern over repeated incidents of rape in the national capital with demands for death penalty for perpetrators of such crimes.
During the impromptu discussion, women members in both Houses were in the forefront in expressing anger over the incident and concern over safety of the fair sex in Delhi, with cinestar-turned-MP Jaya Bachchan even breaking down in the Rajya Sabha.
Replying to the debate, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said he agreed with the members' views and promised to take necessary steps to ensure safety of women in Delhi, including increased police patrolling. Law and order of Delhi is direct responsibility of Union Home Ministry.
Shinde said a special task force headed by the Home Secretary will be constituted to look into suggestions made by members in this regard.
On Sunday's incident when a 23-year girl was gang-raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus, Shinde said the case was "detected without loss of time" and four of the six accused have been arrested.
"It is proposed to have this case tried by a fast-track court, with a request for day-to-day hearing, so that the trial does not linger," the Home Minister said.
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"If there are any lapses, strict action will be taken against the police officers concerned," he said.
"I will inquire into this case. I shall take action," he assured the Rajya Sabha when members questioned him as to what action had been taken by the Home Ministry so far against Delhi Police personnel in this particular case.
He said he will take a detailed review with Delhi Police officers and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to make the capital safer for women. MORE