BOMBAY, 18 June 2006 — To control and check the growing nuisance of harassment of women, the Maharashtra government on Friday enacted a law making eve-teasing a cognizable and nonbailable offense.
Romeos of any age group found molesting women, making obscene gestures, harassing, whistling, using vulgar language or singing aloud a raunchy song will face the music of the law and would be booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Eve-Teasing Act. 2006.
First-time offenders would be sentenced to 15 days imprisonment, but a repeat offense would send the Romeo to one month imprisonment. Under the new law, eve-teasers would be subjected to speedy trials.
The new law in the form of an ordinance came into existence following a private member amendment bill initiated in the state legislature assembly by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar and in the state legislative council by Shiv Sena legislator Neelam Gorhe on March 26. Both the legislators had argued that there had been a substantial increase in eve-teasing and that there was no law to deal with it.
Ready to Face Challenges, Says New Bihar Governor
Veteran Republican Party of India (Gavai) president and Bihar’s governor-designate R.S. Gavai said the immediate task before him was to restore peace and law and order in Bihar.
“I am ready to take up the new assignment which is full of challenges” Gavai said.
He added that Bihar was the land of India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and leaders of the status of Jai Prakash Narayan who had spread the message of peace, prosperity and brotherhood.
Gavai clarified that it should not be forgotten that a person holding the post of the governor was not a saint, but an ordinary person.
While discharging the constitutional duties, the governor’s decisions are considered controversial, he said.
