No mercy should be for POCSO convicts : President Kovind

New Delhi, Dec 6 (HS): Expressing serious concerns upon the rape incidents in the country, President Ram Nath Kovind today said that rape convicts under POCSO Act should not be given right to file mercy petition. He said that women safety is a serious issue.

“Women safety is a serious issue. Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not be given the right to file mercy petition and the Parliament should review mercy petitions issue,” he said while addressing a Convention on Empowerment of Women for Social Transformation here today.

The President’s comments came in the backdrop of several cases of crime against women reported from different parts of the country.

He also said that the incidents of demonic attacks on girls have shaken the conscience of the country. “It is the responsibility of every parent to inculcate among their boys, the feeling of respect for women,” he said.

He further said that a lot of work has been done and much more has to be done in this regard.