In a rare gesture of unity, women members in the opposition benches of Rajya Sabha protested together against the interview of 16/12 rape convict from Tihar jail.
Led by Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, the women members trooped to the well of the house and were soon joined by their male colleagues, prompting Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.
Earlier, K C Tyagi (JD-U) said he has given a notice for suspension of business under Rule 267 to raise the issue of the rape convict making derogatory comments against women from inside Tihar jail for a BBC documentary “India’s Daughter”.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Home Minister has taken note of the issue and will take strict action against those involved. “No one will be spared,” he assured.
Bachchan, however, was not satisfied by the government’s response and was on her feet even as the CPI(M) member P Rajeeve referred to members receiving a copy of the insurance laws amendment bill as presented in Lok Sabha.
She said women do not want "crocodile tears" of the government and wanted it take action immediately. Despite Kurien saying that the government has responded to the issue, a discontented Jaya Bachchan walked towards the well of the house and was soon joined by women members of the Congress and Left parties. With their mail colleagues also taking part in the protest, the Deputy Chairman had to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.
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