Ministry rejects plea to name anti-rape law after victim

 The Women and Child Development Ministry (WCD) has rejected Union Minister Shashi Tharoor’s suggestion to name the proposed anti-rape law after the Delhi gang-rape victim. The WCD ministry is unhappy over the suggestion and considers it irresponsible, say sources.

A high level official in the ministry said how a country like India with so many diversities and the graded social structure could think of naming a law after an individual.

“What will happen when tomorrow people ask to rename it after some other victim? People identify with different social groups; they may like to name a law accordingly,” said the official.

Speaking to a TV channel, Minister of State for WCD Krishna Tirath termed it as a personal comment of Tharoor.

Tharoor’s comments sparked a row following his tweet over the issue in which he has questioned  the rationale of not revealing the identity of the Delhi gang-rape victim. He also suggested naming the proposed anti-rape law after the gang-rape victim.

Though his suggestion is not being considered at any level in the government, it has triggered an animated debate over the issue.

The idea has interested many on the social media too and reactions are coming in favour of and against it.

 Some on social media have argued that not revealing the name indicates feudal mindset in which sexual assault of women is linked to the honour of the victim and her family.