I am an Indian man, deeply disturbed by the impunity with which rapists are allowed to roam free in our streets. The sight of these perpetrators, unshackled and unremorseful, shakes me to the core. I see in each and every woman, a reflection of my mother, sister, and women who matter to me, and to accept this status quo is unacceptable.

Our country, known for its rich cultural heritage and values of respect, has sadly also become synonymous globally with crime against women. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau data, in 2019 alone, over 32,000 cases of rape were reported. However, it's worth noting that these statistics are likely to significantly underestimate the scale of the problem, since many cases are not reported out of fear or societal pressure.

I implore the Indian government to take immediate action with a view towards significantly stricter rulings for rape convictions. Only the severest punishment - the death penalty - can be proportionate justice for the damage inflicted upon the lives of these women.

The state of the law reflects the values of a society. We, as one of the oldest surviving cultures of the world, must lead by example and set a strong precedent to ensure the rights and dignity of women. We must raise our collective voice to demand that the government puts an end to this impunity and institutes death penalty for convicted rapists.

Stand with me today in this call for change. Sign this petition to echoe the need for stricter punishments for rapists in India’s justice system.