The State is finally realising the extent of abuse of power by those in the position of authority, especially against women. Keeping in view the ruthless misuse, Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Indian state to bring a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant.
The State Administrative Council (SAC) under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik has approved the 'Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018' and the 'Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018'.
The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the Ranbir Penal Code, whereby specific offence under section 354 E is being inserted to provide for the offence of 'Sextortion', an official told PTI.
Under the Bill, Section 154, 161 and Schedule of Criminal Procedure Code and section 53 A of the Evidence Act are amended in order to bring sextortion at par with similar offences prescribed under Ranbir Penal Code.
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An amendment is also made in the Prevention of Corruption Act to amend the definition of misconduct and provide that demand for sexual favours would also constitute misconduct within the meaning of section 5.
Anyone found guilty of sextortion will be punished with a fine and a minimum imprisonment of three years, which may be extended to five years.?
The offence is ¡°non-bailable¡± and ¡°not compoundable¡±.
The Court has directed the state to inspect the concept of ¡®sextortion¡¯, in accordance with applicable laws, ¡°So that illegal acts, unwarranted demands for sexual favours and inappropriate contacts by the person in authority are made punishable.¡±