On Tuesday, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024,’ marking a significant step in the state’s legal framework. This bill, brought forward by the Mamata Banerjee government, makes West Bengal the first state to introduce amendments to central laws addressing rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Death Penalty: The bill stipulates the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape if the crime results in the victim’s death or leaves her in a vegetative state.
- Life Imprisonment without Parole: For those convicted of rape, the bill mandates life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Legislative Process:
The bill will now be sent to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose for his assent, followed by President Droupadi Murmu’s approval.
Chief Minister’s Remarks:
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hailed the bill as ‘historic’ and a ‘model,’ dedicating it to the memory of the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital in Kolkata last month. She emphasized that the bill aims to address the loopholes in existing central legislation and urged the opposition, particularly Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, to support the bill’s swift enactment.
Opposition’s Response:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the bill but pointed out that the recently passed Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) also contains stringent provisions to combat crimes against women and children. Suvendu Adhikari expressed the party’s support for the bill but called for immediate implementation and proposed seven amendments for consideration.
Context:
The bill was introduced during a special two-day session of the West Bengal Assembly amid widespread protests following the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. The passage of this bill is seen as a response to the rising concerns over women’s safety in the state and an effort to enhance legal measures against such heinous crimes.
The successful enactment of the ‘Aparajita’ bill could serve as a precedent for other states in India, reinforcing the commitment to protecting women and children from sexual violence.
