NEW DELHI: Eminent social workers and women activists stressed that Sati (the act of a widow burning herself on the funeral pyre of her husband) be treated as murder and not as suicide and be made a cognizable and non-bailable offence.
The practice of glorifying Sati has to be brought under the purview of the Sati (Prevention) Act (1987) speakers said at a national workshop on women and law here.
The participants who included advocates and senior government officials suggested that the words and is nowhere enforced by any of the religions of India as an imperative duty be deleted from the preamble of the act.
At present the act says …whereas Sati or the burning alive of widows or women is revolting to the feelings of human nature and is nowhere enjoined by any of the religions of India as an imperative duty.
lt was recommended that the definition of Sati be enlarged 10 say Sati means the burning or burying alive or putting an end to the life of..(a woman).
There were differing views on whether a person should be disqualified for contesting under the representation of peoples act on a simple charge or after conviction.
Several speakers said a person should be debarred after first conviction irrespective of appeal and that a time limit for disposal set.
Other recommendations included that the act of commission of Sati by any woman be made an offence and the abetment to commit Sati is treated as murder.
The speakers felt that as a preventive measure the central government wherever it found it necessary in a State may in consultation with the state government appoint vigilance committees and advisory boards
It was also suggested that any collection made in connection with Sati be confiscated and a special provision to that extent be made in the act. The participant: said donations in Connection with or in relation to Sati should be declared as illegal and no exemption is given under the income tax act.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 25, 1991
