'Amend Goonda Act to cover crimes against women'

A Legislature committee on Women and Child Welfare has recommended to the State government to bring atrocities against women under the purview of Goonda Act (Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Gamblers, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders and Slum Grabbers Act, 1985).

In its report tabled in the Assembly on Friday, the  committee said that though the government had been stating that atrocity cases will be booked under the Goonda Act, they do not come under its purview. Hence, the Act should be amended accordingly.

In camera trial

Steps should be taken to conduct in camera trial of atrocity cases and non-bailable warrants issued against the accused in such cases. 

The committee also recommended that steps should be taken to prevent media from glorifying the incidents of rape and other sensational crimes.