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

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