West Bengal Passes Anti-Rape ‘Aparajita’ Bill, CM Mamata Calls It “Historic”

In a significant move, the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024’ in the state assembly. This landmark legislation aims to strengthen protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences.

The bill, titled after the Sanskrit word ‘Aparajita’ meaning ‘invincible’, proposes several key amendments to existing laws:

– Death penalty for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state
– Life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape and gang rape
– Expedited investigation and prosecution of sexual offenses, with probes to be completed within 21 days of the initial report
– Establishment of fast-track courts and an “Aparajita Task Force” at the district level to handle cases with greater efficiency and sensitivity

CM Mamata Banerjee hailed the bill as “historic” and “model”, stating that it is a tribute to the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was recently raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital in Kolkata. She urged the Leader of Opposition to request the state Governor to grant assent to the bill, emphasizing the need for social reforms to stop such heinous crimes.

West Bengal has become the first state to bring in amendments to central laws dealing with offences of rape, gang-rape, and sexual assault. The ‘Aparajita’ bill aims to plug loopholes in existing legislation and provide a stronger legal framework to protect women and children.