Proposed amendments to the laws relating to sexual assault

In crimes like rape and sexual abuse – which can leave permanent scars – the sensitivity shown while dealing with victims during the trail can directly affect the dispensation of justice in the end. Sensitivity during rape and sexual abuse case trails is not something the judiciary can claim to be its strength in India. The Union Cabinet recently approved a Bill, to be placed before Parliament, which tries to address the issue through an amendment to section 375, 376 and 509 IPC and the relevant sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act 1872.