The initial version of the bill was drafted to criminalize physical and sexual abuse, so-called "honor crimes" and marital rape, create specially-trained domestic violence response units within the police, and provide the legal framework for restraining orders to be issued against abusers.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

But protesters say it overlooks key recommendations of a government panel - the Justice Verma committee - to include marital rape and sexual assaults by members of the armed forces in its remit.

BBC: Protesters say new Indian rape law not strong enough

In particular, in connection with the latter, Ties That Bind powerfully reinforces the Center's earlier warning that the IICWC is currently advocating for the repeal of Egypt's Mubarak-era prohibitions on female genital mutilation, child marriage, and marital rape, on the grounds that such prohibitions run counter to shariah.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy