The Indian government has approved a new legislation that will see those guilty of raping children receiving the death penalty.
Under the new changes those who are found guilty of raping a child under the age 12 will automatically face the death penalty.
The move which will also see sentences being increased for those found guilty of raping children under the age of 16 and women.
It is believed the Indian cabinet decided to introduce tough sanctions, after there was widespread protests across the country after an 8 year old girl was brutally gang raped and murdered within the past month.
According to Reuters the new executive order which was passed at a special cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The new laws will allow for capital punishment to be handed out to anyone convicted of raping a child under the age of 12.
It also states that minimum prison sentences for rape against girls under the age of 16 and all women have also been raised.
However the new laws have raised some concerns amongst the Indian public as the new legislation does not state whether or not the same laws apply if boys and men are raped.