Governor releases book authored by Dr. Bharat Barowalia

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released a book authored by Dr. Bharat Barowalia titled “Balancing the Scales: Proportionality of Sentencing for the offence of Rape” at Raj Bhavan today. The book focuses on sentencing of the criminals by the courts in cases of the offence of rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and under Section 64 of the newly enacted Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Governor appreciated and congratulated the author for publishing the book and said that it was poised to make a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding criminal justice reform. With its rigorous scholarship, thought-provoking insights and impassioned advocacy for justice, this book promises to be an indispensable resource for legal practitioners, policymakers, scholars and activists alike, he added.

Dr. Barowalia traces the evolution of rape laws and sentencing practices, highlighting significant legal reforms and landmark judgments that have shaped the current landscape. Through detailed case studies, the book illustrates the application of sentencing principles in real-life scenarios, analyzing the factors influencing judicial discretion and the outcomes of notable cases.

Dr. Bharat Barowalia is currently Assistant Professor (Law) at Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla and is a regular resource person at Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy, Shimla. Commenting on the release of the book, Dr. Bharat Barowalia stated, “It is my hope that this work would contribute to meaningful reforms and inspire a balanced approach to justice, where the rights and dignity of victims are upheld, and the principles of fairness and proportionality are meticulously applied.”