Will be prompt in pursuing Verma panel's suggestions: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday wrote a thank you letter to Justice J.S. Verma and assured him that the government would be prompt in pursuing the recommendations of the committee headed by him on sexual assault cases against women.

Thanking the three-member committee, comprising Justice Verma, Justice Leila Seth and eminent lawyer Gopal Subramanian, Manmohan Singh said: "The committee submitted its report within a short period of 30 days is testimony to your commitment and concern for the public good."

"I am writing to thank you for your labour of love in completing the work of the committee our government had constituted to recommend amendments in law to be able to deal effectively with cases of sexual assault of extreme nature against women," he said.

The prime minister assured the committee of prompt action on the recommendations.
"On behalf of our government, I assure you that we will be prompt in pursuing the recommendations of the Committee," he said.

The Justice J.S. Verma panel, set up by the government last month to review laws to provide for speedier justice and enhanced punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assault, submitted its report to the government last week.

The panel was set up in the wake of outrage over the gruesome gang-rape of a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist Dec 16.

The recommendations of Justice Verma Committee include life imprisonment for gang-rape, speedy justice for the victims, review of the working of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and community policing.