A significant legislative development is underway as a new Bill aimed at amending the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998, has been introduced in the Assembly. The Bill, presented by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, proposes stringent measures to legally restrain individuals accused of harassment from contacting their victims in any form, be it personal, electronic, or telephonic.
The proposed amendment seeks to add Section 7 C to the Act, allowing an executive magistrate to issue a protection order. This order would prevent the accused from attempting to communicate with the aggrieved person, potentially facing severe penalties for any breach, including up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Furthermore, the Bill expands the definition of harassment to include various forms of digital and electronic abuse, while also increasing the punishment for specific offenses. If passed, the amended law would impose up to five years of imprisonment and a ₹1 lakh fine for harassment occurring in public spaces, with escalated penalties for repeat offenses. Certain severe cases could even lead to the death penalty or lengthy imprisonment terms.
Key provisions of the Bill also mandate that institutions such as schools, places of worship, and cinemas install CCTV cameras and adequate lighting to deter harassment and ensure timely reporting to authorities.
In addition, amendments to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita propose strict penalties for revealing the identities of victims in sensitive cases. These amendments seek to enhance punishments for assaulting women, particularly in cases of gang rape, where life imprisonment would become the minimum sentence.
The Assembly is expected to consider these critical Bills on January 11, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and enhancing public safety.
