SC verdict will act as deterrent against heinous crimes, says Union Minister Maneka Gandhi

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi today said the Supreme Court verdict in the December 16 gangrape case will act as a "deterrent" against such heinous crimes.

"It has been five years, but in this country getting justice takes decades. So justice definitely has been done. I am happy. The whole country is happy," she told reporters.

Asked about the juvenile convict who was released earlier, she said the law did not permit enhanced punishment in his case. A judgement like this was necessary to send a stern message to people who commit such heinous crimes, the Minister said.