In what is possibly the first such demand made by a chief minister, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for the death penalty to be awarded to those who insult the honour of maa-behan-beti (mothers, sisters and daughters). "They should be hanged…Those who make someone's life hell have no right to live," thundered Chouhan while addressing a gathering at Gandhi Hall on Sunday.

He said investigations in such cases should be wrapped up within a fortnight and a challan submitted in court on the 16th day.

Chouhan said a database would be prepared of people guilty of sexually harassing women. "They will not be considered for government jobs and will not get a character certificate. Their driving licences will (also) be cancelled," declared Chouhan.

He also called for a social boycott of those guilty of sexual harassment. "They (women) have a right to live with honour and breathe freely in the open air," said Chouhan.

The CM also stressed the need to change mindsets so that women are viewed with respect. Chouhan's remarks on the need to safeguard women and ensuring severe punishment for those who insulted their honour came at the fag end of a speech at a programme to mark mayor Krishna Murari Moghe's three years in office.