Drawing flak

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Death is not the answer” (April 23). The abysmal rate of rape conviction in the country indicates that India’s international image mirrors its ground realities to a frightening extent.

After inviting people’s ire over its continued silence and incidentally goaded by IMF chief Christine Lagarde’s comment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should “pay more attention” to uplift the condition of women, the Government has now passed an Ordinance, prescribing death penalty for those found guilty of raping children under the age of 12.

But this new amendment has received both condemnation and support. While some have welcomed the move, others have flayed the BJP for its hogwash “considering the urgency of the situation” (upcoming elections). The most common argument against death penalty in cases of minor rape is that the existing law is stringent enough and increasing the quantum of punishment is not going to make the situation better. But when cases like the one in Kathua emerge, a need to instil fear through death penalties gains voice. It is a good start but needs to be backed by greater awareness and social change.