India approves tougher sex crime law after protests

India has approved a tougher new law to punish sex crimes - including death for repeat rape offenders - after the fatal gang-rape of a student on a bus in December sparked protests over the treatment of women.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013, more commonly known as the "anti-rape law", puts in place new provisions and tougher punishments, which include criminalising voyeurism and stalking and making acid attacks and human trafficking specific offences.

The legislation is seen as a crucial step towards curbing rising cases of violence against women, but activists said the new law is not as tough as it should be and warned that much depends on its enforcement.