The West Bengal government recently passed the “Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024” in the State Assembly. Introduced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government, this bill was driven by the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, sparking widespread protests. The bill aims to create a safer environment for women and children by amending existing laws to enforce stricter penalties for sexual crimes.

Key Proposals in the Bill:

• Time-Bound Trial and Punishment: The bill introduces time-bound measures, with a task force established to ensure preliminary reports are completed within 21 days, and trials concluded within 30 days.
• Capital Punishment: The bill proposes the death penalty for those convicted of rape if the crime results in the victim’s death or leaves her in a vegetative state.
• Life Imprisonment Without Parole: Convicts of rape who do not receive the death penalty will face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
• Stricter POCSO Act: Provisions under the POCSO Act will be further tightened to ensure better protection for children.
• Acid Attack Convictions: Individuals convicted of acid attacks will face life imprisonment without parole.
• Security for Healthcare Workers: The bill allocates Rs 120 crores to enhance security on routes frequented by doctors and nurses, in response to the recent attack on a medical professional.
• Aparajita Task Force: A task force will be created under the bill to ensure swift justice, aiming to complete the trial process rapidly.

Punishments and Deterrent Measures mentioned in the Bill:

• Death Penalty: For convicts whose actions lead to the victim’s death or a vegetative state.
• Life Imprisonment Without Parole: For rape convicts and acid attack convicts.

The Bill suggests State amendments for both Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Legislative Process and Next Steps:

The bill was unanimously passed in the West Bengal Assembly and will now be sent to the state Governor, CV Ananda Bose. Mamata Banerjee has urged the opposition and the Governor to support the bill, emphasizing its importance in addressing and deterring sexual crimes.

– Deeksha Rai