Anti-R*pe Bill Passed in West bengal assembly Amid bjp Protests

On september 3, the West bengal assembly unanimously approved the state’s new anti-rape Bill, with support from the opposition. However, the approval process was marked by protests from the bjp, whose proposed amendments were rejected.

The BJP's suggested amendments were presented by leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who criticized the trinamool congress (TMC) government for introducing what he called a superficial "eyewash" legislation to divert attention from the public outcry following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. The Bill, known as the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West bengal criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024', proposes the death penalty for rape convictions resulting in the victim's death or a vegetative state, and a life sentence without parole for other rape convictions.

The legislation aims to enhance protections for women and children by updating and introducing new measures against rape and sexual offences. The assembly convened a special two-day session starting on september 2 in response to the doctor's death, which had sparked nationwide outrage.

West bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed being "emotionally moved" by the passage of the Bill, calling it "historic and model." She highlighted the significance of the date, noting that it coincides with the establishment of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against women in 1981. Banerjee emphasized that the Bill represents a strong stance against rape, calling for severe punishments for offenders.

In her speech, Banerjee criticized the bjp for focusing its attacks on her government while ignoring rape cases in other parts of India, such as Unnao, Hathras, and Bulandshahr. She urged the opposition to ask the governor to sign the Bill for swift implementation.

In response to bjp allegations that the state government had failed to use Nirbhaya funds effectively, Banerjee defended the administration's record. She pointed out that West bengal has the third-highest number of fast-track courts in India, with 88 courts overall, 52 of which are dedicated to women’s issues. She noted that while there are 392,000 cases pending, 311,000 cases have already been resolved.
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Balasahana Suresh

03/09/2024 03:55 PM