Report No. 172

1.4. Part III: Suggestions for amendment to Indian Penal Code.-

This part sets out the several amendments proposed by the petitioner. Suffice it to say that they seek to substitute the definition of `rape' with the definition of `sexual assault' and make it gender neutral. The object is to widen the scope of the offence. The expression `consent' is also sought to be defined. A new section, section 375A with the heading `Aggravated sexual assault' is sought to be created. This new offence seeks to synthesise the offences now categorised under sub-section (2) of section 376 as well as sections 376B to 376D.