Pune: National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the panel will soon submit recommendations to the Center seeking amendments in prison and parole rules.“We will demand changes in the regulations so that those convicted in rape, sexual assault and other serious crimes against women are not granted parole,” she told TOI. The commission will also recommend mandatory risk assessment, stronger police verification, electronic monitoring and consultation with survivors or their families before any temporary release is approved.Rahatkar also called for faster trials and continuous monitoring of repeat POCSO Act offenders.“The Nasrapur incident (where a 65-year-old man raped and killed a three-year-old) has raised serious concerns. The safety and confidence of women and children in society must remain paramount,” Rahatkar said.NCW would press for systemic reforms, she added. “The process for establishing special fast-track trial courts in such matters must be expedited so that cases are swiftly disposed of. Dedicated legal and subject experts should assist the judicial process and strengthen coordination during investigation and trial,” she added.Independent and time-bound mechanisms for prompt examination of evidence, recording witness statements and completion of investigations are necessary so that trials reach an early conclusion, Rahatkar said.Legal experts said while parole is considered part of reformative prison jurisprudence, governments are empowered to frame stricter eligibility criteria for grave offenses in public interest.According to officials, the government is exploring possible amendments to prison rules to impose tighter restrictions on parole for convicts booked under rape provisions, gang rape, offenses under the POCSO Act and repeat sexual offenders.
