After the 2012 Delhi gangrape shook the nation, India rushed to tighten rape laws. Parliament amended the law thrice - introducing fast-track courts, new definitions, and even the death penalty in some cases. Over eight states - including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal - passed their own laws making punishments even more severe. But here’s the catch: most of these laws haven’t been fully implemented.

States like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra passed acts mandating speedy trials and stricter sentences, but many of these laws still await Presidential assent, making them unenforceable. Meanwhile, conviction rates for rape remain low - around 27% - and survivors continue to face delayed justice, poor investigations, and social stigma.

Experts argue that while stronger laws are important, they’re not enough. What’s missing is real implementation - well-trained police, functioning courts, survivor support, and fast access to justice. Without that, harsher laws become headlines, not help. The legal framework may have evolved, but justice for most survivors still crawls.