The sentence is likely to cause further outrage in a country attempting to turn a rising tide of violence against women and which has passed a new law toughening sentences for adults convicted of sex crimes.
The Justice Verma Commission, which was set up earlier this year to suggest more stringent laws against rape, did not reduce the definition of “juvenile” for crime from 18 to 16.
The gang-rape and the death 13 days later of the young woman led to weeks of protests in the national capital and elsewhere. Her father said today, “Strict punishment is our only hope for justice. Our fight, the nation’s cry will go waste if strict punishment is not granted.”
New Delhi: One of the six accused in the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student in Delhi last year has been convicted by the Juvenile Justice Board. The man was a minor when he the crime had been committed. He turned 18 last month.
According to law, the maximum sentence the juvenile faces is three years in a correctional facility or special home, including the time he has already spent in custody. More lenient punishment could mean being admonished, community service or being put under the care of his parents or a probation officer.
The juvenile’s name and role in the crime will remain permanently sealed. The crime will also not reflect when he seeks employment in the future.
