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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-21950197?print=true
A "proximity clause" is badly needed: one that clarifies that sexual intercourse between a teenager of 16-18 years
with a person not more than four years older will not be criminalised.
Parents, schools and communities are free to impart their social values to children, whatever they may be.
What do the new laws not cover?
That the new laws only protect women from rape and sexual assault and not men and transgender people is a
major failure.
The infamous section 377 of the Penal Code penalises "carnal intercourse against the order of nature".
Even if it survives a Supreme Court challenge, the law is limited, and doesn't have violence or coercion at its
core.
The absence of a proximity clause means 18 as the "age of consent" criminalises intercourse between young
adults that is neither violent nor forced.
Marital rape is still legal - unless the couple are separated.
Armed forces in "disturbed areas" are still effectively immune from prosecution for rape and sexual assault.
They benefit from the boys' club protections that are enhanced in situations of sanctioned violence, committed
against communities they are seriously alienated from.
While in state and central legislatures politicians accused of crime may remain in office and benefit from the slow
justice system until convicted.
What lies ahead?
The Justice Verma Committee report has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for women's constitutional equality the panel was set up by the government, it should use that blueprint.
It includes police reforms, educational reforms, training of personnel in the criminal justice system, services such
as well equipped rape-crisis centres.
The new amendments are only a start and a law is nothing if it's not enforced; but you have to have a law first.
And for better or for worse, now we do.
Karuna Nundy spoke to the BBC's Soutik Biswas.