The state government is contemplating not giving parole to rapist serving life sentence. Maharashtra home minister RR Patil said the state government was seriously considering the move. “The government is in consultation with legal experts on fresh legal provisions to prevent rapist serving life sentence from coming out on parole or getting other benefits,” Patil said on Thursday.

Patil said the home ministry was even considering making changes in the jail manual.

The home ministry’s stand comes after a rape accused from Shirdi, who was released on parole, raped and killed a minor in December 2012. Later, the Nashik police arrested the accused in Manmad.

Talking about the Motor Vehicle Act, Patil said the Centre should give some authority to the states as far as making amendments related to punishments were concerned.

“Laws related to punishment for driving without licence or helmet should be under states and not the Centre. We have already asked the Centre to let us make necessary changes so that the punishment can be increased for traffic violations.”