NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday assured Jyoti Singh’s parents the passage of the Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow.
Jyoti’s parents had earlier met leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and urged him to get the bill cleared in the Rajya Sabha.
“We asked for support and passage of the bill. He (Ghulam Nabi Azad) assured us that the bill will be passed tomorrow,” said Jyoti’s mother.
“He (Azad) has assured us that the bill will be passed for sure. He (juvenile) is already released now and nothing could be done. This bill will be for the other women of the country,” Jyoti’s father said.
Congress leader Shobha Oza said her party has always stood for women’s security and reform.
“Azad ji has ensured that the bill will be tabled in Parliament tomorrow. The Congress will support it,” she said.
Under pressure after massive public protests following the release of the youngest convict in the Delhi gang-rape case, political parties have agreed to discuss the bill seeking to amend the law to allow trying of accused above 16 years of age in connection with crimes like rape.
Earlier today, the Supreme Court rejected a petition to stop the release of the convict, who was a few months short of 18 when he and five others attacked Jyoti.
“In absence of any law we can't take away the rights of a person. There has to be legislative sanction,” the court said.
Thousands have joined Jyoti's parents in claiming that his punishment was inadequate.
Jyoti's parents protested against the release of juvenile convict, also demanded juvenile justice bill be passed in the Rajya Sabha.
As protests intensified, political parties were forced to review their stand on the Juvenile Justice Bill.