Opposing death penalty for rape convicts, the National Commission for Minorities has said such a "blanket provision" would prompt offenders to kill their victims while cautioning the government of "knee-jerk reactions". NCM chairperson Wajahat Habibullah, in recommendations to Justice Verma Committee, has also cautioned it against "knee-jerk" reactions in the wake of the Delhi gang-rape incident which has led to people demanding castration and public hanging of rapists.

"The laws concerning rape provisions should be made for enhancement of punishment with imprisonment of life and also liability to fine. A blanket provision for death would prompt offenders to kill their victims," the NCM in its recommendations said.