Rajya Sabha explodes over BBC documentary: From Rajnath Singh to Jaya Bachchan, who said what

The latest cause for uproar in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday was over the broadcasting rights of the BBC documentary that contains an interview with Mukesh Singh, the man convicted in the 16 December Delhi gangrape. The documentary, which was scheduled to be shown on 8 March, has caused outrage on the premise that it was an insult to the victim’s memory. Home minister Rajnath Singh issued a statement on this topic with several women MPs walking out of the session in outrage. Several others shouted, “Why has the rapist not been hanged till now?” The major questions brought forth were how and why were the permissions given to film the interview and why there has been such a long delay in the sentencing of the accused. Here’s what they said in today’s session. Home Minister Rajnath Singh [caption id=“attachment_2135211” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] IBN live image[/caption] Even in the future, the interview with the rapists will not be allowed to be telecast. The Government has obtained a restraining order on the broadcasting of film. I have sought an explanation on how permission was given to telecast it. I want to assure the House no such permissions will be given in the future. I am surprised about the circumstances in which such orders (to shoot documentary) were given. I was personally hurt by this, spoke to authorities, made sure all steps taken to stop broadcast.

Rajya Sabha MP Javed Akhtar [caption id=“attachment_2135195” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] IBN live image.[/caption] Good that this film was made, it’ll reveal how many men think like Nirbhaya’s rapist. Everybody should know the mindset of these rapists.

Rajya Sabha MP Anu Agha [caption id=“attachment_2135197” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Anu Aga, AFP.[/caption] It’s not just the rapist, the documentary represents views of many men in India. Banning this documentary is not the answer. What the rapist said is the views of many men in India. Let’s not pretend all is well. Mayawati [caption id=“attachment_2135201” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] IBN live image[/caption] We must investigate the jail authorities who gave permission for the filming of this documentary. How and why were the permissions given in the first place? Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan [caption id=“attachment_2135205” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] IBN live image[/caption] Dear Home Minister I appreciate what you did. But it’s 3 years since the incident.I want to know what relief are you giving her family?