Women demand better rape law

The law was passed by India's cabinet on Friday and signed by the president on Sunday.

Demonstrators outside parliament said that it only followed a few of the recommendations made by a government panel set up after the fatal gang-rape of a New Delhi woman in December.

The new law increases jail terms for rape from the current seven to 10 years to a maximum of 20.

It also permits the death penalty in extreme cases of rape that result in death or leave the victim in a coma.

It makes voyeurism, stalking, acid attacks and the trafficking of women criminal offences.

Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said that the government decided to bring in the new law through an ordinance immediately, though it will have to be approved by parliament within six months.

"The government wants to assure everyone that before it is tabled in parliament, we will hold consultations with all political parties," said Mr Chidambaram.

But the protesters damned the new law as a smokescreen as it ignores marital rape and sexual violence against women by soldiers.

It also doesn't bar politicians facing rape charges from elections.

"The government should have spent time on drafting a comprehensive Bill and brought it to parliament with candour and sincerity," said Maimoona Mullah of the All India Democratic Women's Association.