The death penalty - in theory - already exists for this sort of case in India. Given the amount of publicity surrounding this case, I fear there is a chance of it being carried out on one or more of the offenders. However, executing these men would be wrong.
I think that if one of these men had crossed my path in the aftermath of the attack, my reaction would have been the same as 999 or Kendall's. I would not like to claim that I am strong enough not to inflict serious injury on one of the perpetrators. I am every bit as angry at these men as my friends here. That would not be justice though - and it would lay down no marker for society.
This terrible case has brought public attention to the fact that women in India are frequently raped, assaulted, murdered and humiliated. Of course the priority is that the culture changes and that women are afforded a measure of decency and respect by everyone. The deterrent effect of any punishment is the certainty of getting it. That will not change until there is a huge shift in attitudes throughout society and women can expect the prosecution and conviction of offenders. We should really know that from our own society. Just hanging a few bastards who happened to make the front pages will only make them look unlucky to get caught. The society will only change when convictions for rape, assault and murder become the rule rather than the exception.