Combating rape culture

The latest ordinance is a positive step towards ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence.

The cabinet on Sunday approved a new ordinance proposing stricter laws on rape. The draft has been sent to President Bidya Devi Bhandari for approval. It is expected to be approved without opposition. Once it gets the President's nod, the ordinance paves the way for a stronger offensive against rape. The ordinance has also sought to amend other laws, including Criminal Code 2017, to make the existing laws related to rape harsher. What is remarkable in the draft is the provision of punishment for those who mediate to settle rape cases at the local level in order to prevent it from being registered with the police.