20.7.2012 (UNI) The Union Cabinet has approved introduction of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012, in Parliament seeking to widen the scope of sexual offence and replace the word 'rape' by the words 'sexual assault' to make the offence gender neutral.

According to official spokesperson, the highlights of the Bill include substituting sections 375, 376, 376A and 376B by replacing the existing sections 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C and 376D of the Indian Penal Code,1860, replacing the word 'rape' wherever it occurs by the words 'sexual assault' to make the offence of sexual assault gender neutral.

The cabinet, which met last night, also announced to widen the scope of the offence of sexual assault.

The punishment for sexual assault will be a minimum of seven years which may extend to Life imprisonment and also fine for aggravated sexual assault, i.e., by a police officer within his jurisdiction or a public servant/manager or person talking advantage of his position of authority etc, the spokesperson said. UNI