Current Affairs-Topics

West Bengal Passes Anti-Rape Bill ‘Aparajita’: Death Penalty

West Bengal has passed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill, 2024, in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The bill aims to enhance safety for women and children and comes into effect on September 5, 2024.

Bill Overview and Passage

  • The Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed unanimously in the West Bengal Assembly
  • Introduced in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor Maumita at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital
  • Aims to enhance safety for women and children
  • Comes into effect on September 5, 2024
  • Requires assent from the Governor and President due to being on the Concurrent List

Key Provisions

  • Death penalty for rape convicts if actions lead to victim's death or vegetative state
  • Investigations must conclude within 21 days of initial report
  • Establishment of fast-track courts for sexual violence cases
  • Creation of Aparajita Task Force at district level for investigating cases
  • Life imprisonment for repeat offenders, with possibility of death penalty
  • Protection of victims' identities
  • Penalties for police and health officials who delay justice or tamper with evidence
  • Restrictions on unauthorized publication of court proceedings

Political Context and Reactions

  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hailed the bill as "historic" and "model"
  • Rare moment of cross-party support in the Assembly
  • Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari backed the bill but called for immediate implementation
  • Heated exchanges between ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition BJP
  • Banerjee urged Adhikari to advocate for prompt assent from Governor CV Ananda Bose
  • BJP welcomed the bill but emphasized existing stringent provisions in Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
  • Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee called for central government action on comprehensive anti-rape law

Broader Implications and Challenges

  • West Bengal becomes first state to amend central laws addressing such crimes
  • Bill aims to close gaps in existing central legislation
  • Banerjee highlighted alarming rates of crimes against women in other states
  • Concerns raised about implementation and need for social reforms
  • Debate over state vs. central responsibility in addressing sexual violence
  • Discussion on need for swift justice and accountability in law enforcement
  • Potential model for other states to follow in strengthening anti-rape laws

More Related Articles

Aurangabad Station Renamed 2025

In a historic development reinforcing Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, Aurangabad station was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station. The announcement was made by the Central

Bajrang Setu Rishikesh Opening 2025

Rishikesh, one of India’s most renowned spiritual and tourist destinations, is set to witness a significant infrastructural development with the construction of the Bajrang Setu Rishikesh. T

Calcium Carbide Gun Dangers

Every year, Diwali brings joy, lights, and celebrations across India. However, a dangerous new trend involving calcium carbide guns has overshadowed the festivities in Madhya Pradesh, leaving more

Darbar Move J&K 2025

The Darbar Move J&K is a unique administrative tradition in Jammu and Kashmir where the government shifts its offices between Jammu and Srinagar with the changing seasons. After a four-year pa

Haryana Panchayat Grants 2025

  In a major move to strengthen grassroots governance, the Union Government has released over ₹730 crore to support Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Gujarat and Haryana. Out of this, a significa

GRAP 2 Delhi Restrictions 2025

Delhi has once again come under the spotlight due to rising air pollution levels ahead of Diwali 2025. The National Capital Territory is approaching the ‘very poor’ category on the Air

Thirumalapuram Iron Age Excavations

Recent excavations by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) at the Thirumalapuram Iron Age site in the Tenkasi district have revealed one of the most significant archaeo

ARISE Cities Forum 2025

The ARISE Cities Forum 2025 marked a historic milestone in urban climate action, emphasising the role of cities as frontline actors in tackling climate change. Held on October 9, 2025, in New Delh

VGRC Mehsana 2025 Highlights

In a significant step toward balanced regional development, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the first-ever Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC Mehsana 2025) on October 9,

India’s First Child Marriage Free District

The Child Marriage Free India campaign was initiated in August 2024 with the objective of eliminating child marriage nationwide. The campaign emphasizes child rights in India, social developm

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham