Bill bars cross-examination of rape victim's character

Amid increasing incidence of rape, Parliament on Monday approved a bill seeking to bar cross-examination of a rape victim on her character with the Rajya Sabha approving the measure by a voice vote.

Replying to the Indian Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2002, Minister of State for Law Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government would bring a comprehensive legislation, covering measures to check crime against women, based on the recommendations of a committee.

The house also passed the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2002 without discussion.