Asaram Found Guilty by Jodhpur Court in Rape of 16-year-old Girl
JODHPUR, April 25: A court in Rajasthan convicted self-styled godman Asaram -- who runs 400 ashrams across India -- of raping a 16-year-old five years ago. Asaram has thousands of followers across India with extensive money and muscle power.
The verdict was announced by judge Madhusudan Sharma inside the Jodhpur Central Jail, which has been shut even to the media as part of the elaborate security arrangements.
He was given a life term.
Four states - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat -- have been put on alert as precautionary measures.
Nine witnesses who dared to testify against him were attacked, three of them died. Even the police and media say they have been targeted.
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Bill to provide precise definition of 'transgender' introduced in LS
New Delhi (PTI): A bill seeking to provide a precise definition of the term "transgender" and provide graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted upon such persons was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill was introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar.
It notes that it is imperative to give a precise definition for proper and definitive identification and protection of transgender persons, to whom the benefits of the present law must reach.
The protection and benefits that are provided under the present law are vast in nature, and therefore, care has to be taken that "such identification cannot be extended based on any acquirable characteristics or personal choice or claimed self-perceived identity of an individual".
The Bill also contains provisions for "designation of an authority" which will have the option to seek "expert advice" if required.
The draft law also seeks to empower transgender persons to make consequential changes in official documents.
