27 January 1999 :

On January 27, the Maharashtra cabinet passed a resolution supporting the Central Government's proposal to award the death penalty to those convicted of rape. The proposal amends clauses (1) and (2) of Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. It also suggested an amendment to Section 155 (4) of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which allows the accused to question the moral character of the rape victim as a defense. Women's groups have been demanding a deletion of this section for several years.
Chief Minister Manohar Joshi said, "We feel that the current punishment of 10 years rigorous imprisonment or life imprisonment is not an effective deterrent. We agree with the Central Government's proposal that those convicted of rape should be hanged." He said also: "While rape was a heinous crime, the law should be carefully framed so that no injustice is committed while implementing it." When questioned about the slow disposal and poor conviction rate of rape cases, Joshi said: "Fifteen special courts have been set up in the state to deal with crimes against women."