The Newshour Debate: Change in law required? (Part 1 of 2)

The gang-rape of a 23-year old in the capital has raised questions on whether there is need for stringent laws against rape which would instill fear in the minds of the brutes who have no remorse after raping an innocent. There were 24,206 reported cases of rape in 2011, 88 percent of which are still pending in trial courts. With every incident that shames India, Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code is closely coming under scanner. The law states that a 10 year minimum punishment and maximum of rigorous life imprisonment is mandatory for the accused, irrespective of how heinous the crime in which it is committed.

In a debate moderated by TIMES NOW's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, panelists -- Shazia Ilmi, Member, Aam Admi Party ; Vrinda Grover, Human Rights Lawyer & Activist; Nirmala Sitharaman, National Spokesperson, BJP; Barkha Singh, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Women debate whether the political parties should stop dodging and bluffing on honour killings by khaps to protect their vote banks and protect the women instead.