High rape cases persist despite stricter laws: The numbers
By Vivek Dubey
By Vivek Dubey
CNBC-TV18.com
CNBC-TV18.com
Published August 16, 2024
Published August 16, 2024
Persisting Sexual Violence
Despite legal reforms, sexual violence remains rampant in India. The recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata sparked widespread protests.
High Number of Cases
Rape cases consistently exceeded 30,000 annually since 2012, during the time of the Nirbhaya rape case of a 23-year-old, except during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Legal Reforms Introduced
Post-2012, India introduced stricter sentences. The reforms include a minimum sentence of 10 years with a possible extension to life - or the death penalty if the victim is younger than 12.
Others include widening the definition of rape, bringing in fast-track courts and reducing the age threshold so 16-year-olds can be tried as adults.
Crime Record Data
In 2012, police were recording nearly 25,000 rape cases a year, data from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows. That increased to over 31,000 in 2022.
Peak in 2016
The highest number of rape cases was reported in 2016, with nearly 39,000 incidents. In 2018, a woman reported a rape every 15 minutes on average.
Low Conviction Rates
From 2018-2022, rape conviction rates ranged between 27%-28%, one of the lowest among serious crimes like murder and kidnapping.