Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
4. While perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence must be held accountable, but capital punishment might not be the answer. Critically Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
At a press conference last week in Delhi, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot criticised the legislative expansion of the death penalty for sexual offences, holding the Centre responsible for encouraging sexual offenders to kill the victims after raping them in an attempt to destroy evidence and avoid prosecution.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about whether or not death penalty for rape would be a sufficient deterrent for perpetrators of the crime.
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the Problems with death penalty. Emphasises on the fact that punishing rape with death may actually be counterproductive to women’s safety. Substantiate with facts and reports.
Next, Arguments supporting for Death Penalty and how it acts as deterrent. Cite examples from all over the world.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a fair and balanced opinion about death penalty.
