Usha Chandradas on Criminal Procedure (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

In Parliament on Monday (Feb 5), NMP Usha Chandradas voiced support for the proposed amendments and sought clarifications on several aspects of the Criminal Procedure (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill. These relate to the new rules for the conduct of Forensic Medical Examinations (FMEs) and the new Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection (SEPP).  On the new proposed rules on FMEs, she noted that they point to a robust regime, but stressed the need to balance these with respect for personal autonomy and notions of consent. She wanted to know what kind of information police officers will be required to provide to alleged victims when seeking their consent to carry out FMEs, as well as the guidelines for police officers to determine whether delays in the conduct of FMEs would result in the loss, degradation or contamination of evidence. Turning to the SEPP, she asked if any clear sentencing guidelines would be issued to encourage consistent sentencing by the courts, what kind of rehabilitation programmes an offender would be required to attend, and what rehabilitative treatment and mental health support will be made available to the SEPP prisoners and their family members.