Sat Jan 11 05:51:17 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Toughens Laws on Sexual Assault

**Chennai, January 11, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed two significant bills on Friday, January 10th, aimed at strengthening punishments for sexual crimes against women and children. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin introduced the Criminal Laws (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Act, 1998.

The amendments significantly increase penalties for sexual offenses. The Criminal Laws Bill mandates a minimum of 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment for rape, up from the current 10 years. This minimum sentence doubles to 20 years if the perpetrator is a police officer. For rape victims under 12, the bill proposes life imprisonment as the minimum, with the death penalty as the maximum sentence. Both bills also address harassment through digital and electronic platforms. The legislation aims to enhance prosecution and provide stronger protection for victims.

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