Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is 1999.

• One of the basic aims of the Rajasthan State Commission for Women (RSCW) is to bring marginalized women into the mainstream.
• RSCW was set up a statutory body on May 15, 1999 under The Rajasthan State Commission for Women Act, 1999.

Key Points

• Objectives:
  • To redress the grievances of the suffering women across the State of Rajasthan.
  • To safeguard the interests of women across the State.
  • To review prevailing laws concerning women and to request the government to make amendments for women to get justice.
  • To recommend remedial legislative measures.
  • To advise the Government of Rajasthan on all Policy matters affecting women.
  • Detailed functions of the Rajasthan State Commission for Women are elaborated under Section 11 of the RSCW Act, 1999.

Additional Information

• A brief of these functions is provided below:
  • Functions of RSCW:
    • To investigate and analyse all unjustified acts committed against women and to request the government to take action.
    • To take steps to make the existing laws more effective and ensure their implementation.
    • To review existing laws and recommend amendments.
    • To prevent any discrimination against women in state public services and state public enterprises.
    • To take steps to alleviate the condition of women by suggesting practical welfare schemes, appealing to the government to provide equal opportunities.
    • Appealing to the government to take strict action against any public servant found by the commission to be working against the interests of women.
    • To submit Annual/ Special Reports to Govt. with its recommendations.

IPC Section 375 is NOT correct.

• Section 375 in the Indian Penal Code (Rape):
  • A man is said to commit “rape” who, except in the case hereinafter excepted, has sexual intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the six following de­scriptions:
    • (i) Against her will.
    • (ii) Without her consent.
    • (iii) With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her or any person in whom she is interested in fear of death or of hurt.
    • (iv) With her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be law­fully married.
    • (v) With her consent, when, at the time of giving such consent, by reason of unsoundness of mind or intoxication or the administration by him personally or through another of any stupe­fying or unwholesome substance, she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of that to which she gives consent.
    • (vi) With or without her consent, when she is under sixteen years of age.

Additional Information

• Section 370: Amendments and advocacy to prevent the conflation of trafficking and sex work.
• Section 372: Selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
• Section 373: Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.

A 2007 survey by the Ministry of Women and Child Development showed that 53% of children in India had been sexually abused. 

Important Points The Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) was passed by both houses of Parliament on May 22, 2012.  

• It came into effect on Children’s Day, November 14, 2012.
• Salient Feature of POCSO- 
  • It is gender-neutral.
  • It makes the reporting of abuse mandatory.
  • It makes the recording of sexual abuse mandatory.
  • It lists all known types of sexual offences towards minors.
  • It provides for the protection of minors during the judicial process.

From the above, it is clear that the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) came into effect on Children’s Day, November 14, 2012.

The correct answer is Minimum of 5 years and a fine more than ₹15,000 or the value of the dowry received, whichever is higher.

• This legislation provides for a penalty in section 3 if any person gives, takes or abets giving or receiving of dowry.
• The punishment could be imprisonment for a minimum of 5 years and a fine more than ₹15,000 or the value of the dowry received, whichever is higher.

• The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 consolidated the anti-dowry laws which had been passed on certain states.
• This Act may be called the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
• It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

The correct answer is 14th November 2012.

• To deal with child sexual abuse cases, the Government has brought in a special law, namely, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
• The Act has come into force with effect from 14th November 2012 along with the Rules framed thereunder. 

Key Points

• The POCSO Act, 2012 is a comprehensive law to provide for the protection of children from the offences of
  • sexual assault
  • sexual harassment
  • pornography
• While safeguarding the interests of the child at every stage of the judicial process by incorporating child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through designated Special Courts.