NEW DELHI, Feb 2 � The rejection of JS Verma Panel�s recommendation on reviewing controversial provisions of the Armed Forces Special Power�s Act (AFSPA) has provoked sharp criticism, with human right activists urging the President not to sign the Ordinance.
The Ordinance, cleared by the Union Cabinet late on Friday evening, has rejected the recommendation of the Verma panel on Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. It was recommended that no sanction would be required if the armed forces personnel are accused of a crime against woman.
Human rights groups, which have been fighting for long for repeal of the so-called Black Act, saw some hope when Justice Verma recommended its review. Further, the committee�s recommendation on AFSPA, that sexual crimes by members of the armed forces should be tried under ordinary criminal law, also did not find favour with the Centre and was rejected. The Ordinance passed by the Union Cabinet on Friday also rejected this suggestion. �The UPA government has responded to the sensitivities of the people,� Law Minister Ashwini Kumar later said, briefing newsmen.
Noted human right lawyer, Vrinda Grover said atrocities by personnel of armed forces need to be dealt in more mature manner. �Justice Verma Committee targeted the impunity of family, policemen, Army officers, and bureaucrats. But the government went soft on that. Why are the recommendations on AFSPA not accepted. It�s completely scandalous what the government has done,� she said. �The ordinance is complete betrayal of the people�s faith.�
The women organisations were alarmed to see the ordinance, as it ignored many recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee. �We are alarmed by the Ordinance content. We do not see any recommendation of the Verma Committee in the Ordinance,� Vrinda Grover said adding that the Ordinance is a trick to sideline the Justice Verma report.
Reacting to the Sexual Assault Ordinance that is now required to be signed by the President, police officer turned social activist Kiran Bedi said that a beginning has been made, but it�s a very long way to go because Justice Verma (Committee�s) recommendations are a holistic correction.
CPM leader Brinda Karat said the Centre has ignored the main recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee. �We do not approve of this Ordinance. The Ordinance, which has ignored the main recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, is an attempt to divert attention from the main questions being raised in the Justice Verma Committee report,� Karat said.
