The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Shakti Criminal Laws (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill which provides for stricter punishments including the death penalty for crimes against women.

The bill, which also provides for speedy trial in such cases, will now go to the Legislative Council. Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil tabled the Bill after it was cleared by a joint committee that examined it. Walse-Patil on Thursday had presented in the Lower House the committee's recommendations.