Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, has announced the formation of a seven-member "Garima Justice Resolution Committee" tasked with submitting recommendations within seven days to revise penal laws regarding heinous crimes. The government's decision follows the rape and murder of three-year-old Garima, an incident in which a 14-year-old adolescent has been accused.
In a statement shared via a Facebook post, Minister Gautam stated that the decision was taken following a meeting with the victim’s parents at the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday evening. The committee is mandated to review existing legal provisions and suggest maximum punishment standards in line with public expectations, ensuring systemic reforms to protect children.
Addressing public outrage and calls for the death penalty, the Law Minister clarified that Article 16(2) of the Constitution explicitly prohibits laws imposing capital punishment, alongside international legal commitments. She stated that while emotional anger is understandable, the government must remain strictly within the rule of law and constitutional boundaries, noting that executive draft bills require parliamentary approval before enforcement by the judiciary.
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Minister Gautam cautioned against turning the investigation into a media trial, warning that unverified social media commentary and premature conclusions risk compromising evidence and hindering justice. Citing lessons from the Nirmala Panta case, she urged the public to allow investigative authorities to preserve evidence and build a solid case for court proceedings.
The Law Minister also addressed doctored video clips from her past being circulated online, which critics used to allege she normalized sexual violence. Clarifying her position, Gautam reaffirmed that rape is never acceptable or normal, explaining that her past remarks were intended to stop victim-shaming so survivors can seek justice without fear.
Reflecting on long-term actions, Minister Gautam noted that legal studies regarding loopholes in violence against women cases had already been completed prior to this incident and will soon be tabled in Parliament. She reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance policy against severe crimes and pledged to implement legal, procedural, and institutional reforms.
