While the union cabinet has approved the bill to strengthen anti-rape laws, its provision to lower the age for consensual sex to 16 years may snag the bill with many political parties.

The bill provides for lowering the age for consensual sex to 16 years from 18 years. Though it will not be an entirely new concept as the age of consent for sex has been 16 years under the IPC since 1893, there are apprehensions even within the government.