New Delhi, July 30: Hyderabad lawmaker Asaduddin Owaisi stood in opposition to the Bill passed by the Lok Sabha today which approves death penalty for raping a minor below the age of 12. Owaisi such a law will not serve as a deterrent to sexual assault offences.

During the debate on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2018, Owaisi told the Lower House that the proposed legislation exposes the "reactionary" mindset of the government.

"An eye for an eye does not fit under our constitutional framework. The government is being reactionary," he said, further quipping, "By passing this law, we will soon join the esteemed league of Saudi Arabia, Iran and China. Good Luck to you, maybe the Shariah is on the way," he said.

Owaisi, who heads the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), cited the observation of Delhi High Court's acting Chief Justice Geeta Mittal, who had recently questioned the government whether they had any scientific data to prove whether a death penalty can act as a deterrent for rape crimes.

Justice (retd) JS Verma, who headed a committee to ascertain whether death penalty can act as a deterrent, had also recommended against capital punishment for rape offence, Owaisi pointed out.

The AIMIM chief said the remedy towards ending the menace of crime against women and children lies in swift justice. He appealed the government to strengthen the judicial framework rather than proposing new laws.

"5,000 vacancies in the judiciary are lying vacant. I would say we require at least 15,000 more judges," Owaisi added, further demanding the set-up of more special courts designated for dealing with offences perpetrated against minors.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 10:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).