The Justice JS Verma committee, set up to propose amendments to laws relating to crime against women, today submitted its report to the home ministry. Here are some of the key recommendations of the panel

New Delhi: The Justice JS Verma committee, set up to propose amendments to laws relating to crime against women, today submitted its report to the home ministry. Here are some of the key recommendations of the panel:

MPs facing criminal charges should voluntarily vacate their seats to honour the Parliament.

Observation homes for juvenile offenders should be run in a manner which is in the spirit of juvenile justice Act. Judiciary should discharge the guardianship role which the state is supposed to discharge regarding implementation of JJ Act.

Establish a new constitutional authority akin to CAG for education and non- discrimination of women and children so that there is a proper audit of laws.

Increase the strength of judges without affecting the quality

Implement police reforms for better autonomy and functioning of the police force.

Government must tackle trafficking of children and maintain data on the same

Make sure that law enforcement agencies do not become tools at the hands of political masters

Bring transparency and accountability to the functioning of all institutions of governance

The ambiguity on who is responsible for the law and order issues in Delhi should be removed with an immediate effect

All marriages should be registered. Magistrate should ensure that no dowry is taken

Any officer who fails to report a case of rape or delays the same should be punished

The committee has framed a protocol for medical examination of rape victim. The same should be followed

Sexual violence against women perpetrated by armed forces should be brought under the purview of ordinary law. There is a need to look into the continuance of AFSPA

Special commissioners should be appointed to address the issues of violence against women in coflict areas such as Kashmir, Chattisgarh and Manipur.