West Bengal’s Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill: Central Government Criticizes Mamata Banerjee’s Legislative Move
The West Bengal legislative assembly approved the bill unanimously on Tuesday, which proposes severe penalties for perpetrators of rape and related crimes.
September 4 — The debate over West Bengal’s recently passed ‘Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill’ continues as the central government has criticized the state’s handling of sexual assault cases. The West Bengal legislative assembly approved the bill unanimously on Tuesday, which proposes severe penalties for perpetrators of rape and related crimes.
Central Minister Kiren Rijiju has voiced strong criticism regarding the bill. In a social media post, Rijiju accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of politicizing the tragic case of a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Rijiju claimed that Banerjee’s actions amounted to a failure to address the root causes of such crimes effectively.
The bill, officially known as the ‘Aparajita Women and Children Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024,’ introduces several key provisions, including the establishment of fast-track special courts (FTSC) to expedite the trial of sexual assault and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) cases. It mandates the completion of investigations within 21 days, a significant reduction from the previous two-month deadline. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that female officers will lead special investigation teams.
Rijiju criticized the West Bengal government for not endorsing the central government’s 2018 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, which also aimed at creating special courts for expedited trials. Despite numerous communications over the years, the central plan has not been adopted in the state.
The Aparajita Bill has been supported by the opposition BJP legislators, although it faces additional hurdles. The proposed legislation must receive assent from the state governor and subsequently the President of India before it can be enacted. If approved, it will mark a significant development in West Bengal's legal framework for addressing sexual offenses.