Judges asked to suspend sex charge MPs

It will be the same day as five men and one juvenile face trial for the brutal rape and murder of a 23-year-old student.

Association for Democratic Reforms official Jagdeep Chhokar said six state politicians and two national MPs are currently facing sexual assault charges - though they all fall short of rape.

Chief Justice Altamas Kabir has agreed to hear a petition from retired civil servant Promilla Shanker asking the supreme court to suspend all MPs facing prosecution for crimes against women as part of a widespread campaign to strengthen anti-rape laws.

Protests have taken place every day since the student was attacked on December 16.

Thousands rallied today at the Delhi memorial to independence leader Mahatma Gandhi demanding better legal protection for women.

More details of the gang rape have also emerged ahead of tomorrow's trial.

Police notes reportedly say the attackers tried to run over the medical student with the bus on which the two-hour assault took place.

The woman's fiance, who was also beaten in the attack, only just managed to pull her out of the way.

She also bit three of the attackers as she struggled to fight them off.

The victim's family have reportedly supported calls for her identity to be revealed so that a stronger rape law could be named in her honour.