Women MPs outraged over rape convict's interview in Parliament

In an unusual act, women members of Parliament from opposition parties on Wednesday stormed into the well of Rajya Sabha and forced a brief adjournment demanding action over December 16 gang rape convict being allowed to give an outrageous interview from inside Tihar Jail in Delhi.

Led by Jaya Bachchan (Samajwadi Party), all women members from opposition benches present in the House, trooped into the Well unsatisfied over government's response to the action taken over how the convict, Mukesh, was allowed to be interviewed inside the prison and make outlandish statements.

Soon, their male colleagues also joined, forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.

Earlier, K C Tyagi (Janata Dal-United) said he has given a notice for suspension of business under Rule 267 to raise the issue of the rape convict making derogatory comments against women in a documentary from inside the Tihar Jail.

"Action should be taken against the DG, Tihar Jail and officials for allowing the interview," he said, adding a special court should be constituted expeditiously to hang the convict.

Kurien said though he is not allowing the notice, he was in agreement that such an interview was not acceptable.

"I wonder how this can happen when the convict is in the jail," he said. "This is a very serious issue."

After committing a horrendous crime, the convict is justifying it, Kurien said, asking the government to report to the House on how the interview was allowed and what action has been taken.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Home minister has taken note of the issue and strict action will be taken against the culprit. "No one will be spared."

Bachchan, however, remained unsatisfied and was on her feet, even as Communist Party of India-Marxist member P Rajeeve referred to members receiving a copy of the insurance laws amendment bill as presented in Lok Sabha.

She said women do not want ‘crocodile tears’ of the government and wanted it take action immediately.

Kurien said the government has already responded but she was not satisfied and moved into the well of the House. She was immediately joined by women MPs from other opposition parties such as Congress and the Left.

"What do you want... I am not able to understand? Why don't you go back to your places and speak," Kurien said to the members in the Well. They were soon joined by male members of their parties, forcing Kurien to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.