West Bengal Assembly Passes Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill

Tags: National News

The West Bengal Assembly passed the Aparajita Bill, an anti-rape bill, on 3 September during a special session.

An Overview of the News

• The bill received unanimous support, with the Opposition, including BJP MLAs and the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, backing the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government.

• 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' was introduced by West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

• Capital Punishment: The bill proposes capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.

• Life Imprisonment: It mandates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape and gang rape. Repeat offenders may face life imprisonment or death penalty, plus financial fines.

• Amendments: Changes to sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023 regarding rape, gang rape, repeat offenders, and victim identity disclosure. Removal of age-based punishment sections.

• Expedited Investigation: Rape investigations must be completed within 21 days, with a 15-day extension possible with valid reasons.

• Special Task Force: Creation of the 'Aparajita Task Force' at the district level, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, to handle these cases.

• Specialized Courts: Proposal for 52 special courts to handle rape and sexual offences, designed to reduce victim trauma.

• Penalties for Publishing Proceedings: Unauthorized publication of court proceedings will result in 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines to protect victim privacy.

Context and Urgency:

• The special session of the Assembly was convened following the rape-murder of a woman medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

• The Assembly met for two days to urgently address issues related to crimes against women and to fast-track punishments for perpetrators.