NEW DELHI: India's top court says it will decide whether to suspend lawmakers facing sexual assault charges as thousands of women gathered at the memorial to independence leader Mohandas K. Gandhi to demand stronger protection for their safety.

The march came Wednesday as police prepare to formally charge six suspects in the gang-rape and killing of a student in the capital two weeks ago.

The rape triggered outrage across the country and sparked demands for stronger laws and tougher police action against those accused of sexual assault.

Chief Justice Altamas Kabir agreed to hear a petition from retired government administrator Promilla Shanker asking the Supreme Court to suspend all lawmakers from national and state legislatures who face prosecution for crimes against women.

The Gandhi memorial is a common protest site.