Jammu and Kashmir: First state to criminalise ‘sextortion’ of women

Jammu and Kashmir is the the first state in the country to have a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant.

Under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik, the State Administrative Council (SAC) on Friday approved the ‘Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018’ and the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018’, an official spokesman said. Under this law, the accused, if proven guilty will be awarded with five year of prison term and it is an non-bailable offence.

Apparently, the Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the Ranbir Penal Code, whereby specific offence under section 354 E is being inserted to provide for the offence of ‘Sextortion’.

The spokesperson added that these, amendments are being made in section 154, 161 and Schedule of Criminal Procedure Code and section 53 A of the Evidence Act so as to bring sextortion at par with similar offences prescribed under Ranbir Penal Code, and amendment is being made in the Prevention of Corruption Act to amend the definition of misconduct and provide that demand for sexual favours would also constitute misconduct within the meaning of section 5.

Meanwhile, in a gunfight in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district today morning, killing three militants and one Jawan. As per reports, following the encounter, in a clash, at least six civilians were also killed.

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