Following the introduction of the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment Bill 2024) in the state Legislative Assembly session in Kolkata on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the assembly.
The anti-rape bill was unanimously approved by the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, with full backing from the opposition.
Referred to as the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ the law endeavors to fortify safeguards for women and children by the revision and addition of new measures concerning sexual offenses and rape.
According to Mamata Banerjee, the following clauses will be included in the bill:
Life sentence without parole for those convicted
If found guilty of rape, the bill provides a life sentence without the possibility of release.
Capital punishment for those convicted if victim is left dead or in vegetative state after the crime
The bill calls for the death penalty for anyone found guilty of rape if their acts cause the victim to pass away or go into a vegetative state.
Tighter rules under POCSO Act
The state will further tighten the POCSO Act’s restrictions.
Aparajita Task Force
In accordance with the bill’s terms, a task force will be established to punish the accused within 21 days following the preliminary report.
Routes on which doctors and nurses travel will be provided with ample security
The state government has approved Rs 120 crores for this.
In the wake of the rape and murder of a female medic at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital last month, the Assembly called a two-day extraordinary session on Monday. Moloy Ghatak, the state’s law minister, introduced the bill.
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