In response to Mamata Banerjee’s concerns about handling rape cases, the Centre stated that West Bengal had been allocated 123 fast-track courts. The government’s clarification came amid ongoing discussions about improving the state’s judicial response to such crimes. The allocation aims to expedite the legal process in cases involving sexual offenses.
In a pointed response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent comments on rape incidents across India, the Centre highlighted that Bengal has been allocated 123 fast-track courts specifically to handle cases of rape and child abuse. However, many of these courts are not yet operational.
Mamata Banerjee, under scrutiny following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. In her letter, she called for a stringent central law to ensure severe punishment for rapists.
She also cited data indicating that 90 rape cases are reported daily in the country, with many victims tragically losing their lives.
She wrote,
“It’s horrifying to witness this trend. It undermines the confidence and conscience of both society and the nation. We have a duty to end this so that women can feel safe and secure,”
Also proposing the establishment of fast-track special courts, She added,
“Such a serious and sensitive issue demands a comprehensive approach through stringent central legislation that imposes exemplary punishment on those responsible for these heinous crimes,”
She suggested,
“To ensure swift justice, trials should ideally be completed within 15 days,”
Annpurna Devi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, responded to Ms. Banerjee’s letter to the Prime Minister. Ms. Devi began by expressing her condolences to the family of the doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata.
She then noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, implemented last month,
“Comprehensively addresses the issues of crimes against women by providing stringent punishments.”
Regarding fast-track courts, the minister highlighted that a centrally sponsored scheme to establish such courts was launched in October 2019.
Ms. Devi stated,
“As of June 30, 2024, 752 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts, are operational across 30 States and Union Territories, having resolved over 2,53,000 cases since the scheme’s inception,”
She added,
“Under the scheme, West Bengal was allocated a total of 123 FTSCs, including 20 exclusive POCSO Courts and 103 combined FTSCs for both rape and POCSO Act cases. However, none of these courts had been made operational until mid-June 2023.”
The minister noted,
“The State of West Bengal expressed its willingness to participate in the Scheme through a letter dated June 8, 2023, committing to establish 7 FTSCs. Under the revised target, West Bengal has been allocated 17 FTSCs, but as of June 30, 2024, only 6 exclusive POCSO Courts have been made operational,”
She added,
“Despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State Government has yet to take action to start the remaining 11 FTSCs. This matter remains pending with the state government,”
The Women and Child Development Minister also criticized the Trinamool Congress government for not implementing a national helpline established by the Centre to respond to distress calls from women and children.
The minister pointed out,
“Recognizing the importance of helplines as first responders during the critical golden hour for women or children in distress, the Women Helpline (WHL) 181, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112, Child Helpline 1098, and Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 have been established in recent years,”
She remarked,
“The WHL and Child Helplines have also been integrated with ERSS. However, the people of West Bengal are unable to access this facility because the State Government has not implemented the WHL, despite multiple requests and reminders from the Government of India,”
The central minister emphasized that the existing legal framework is sufficiently stringent to address crimes against women.
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She stated,
“However, you would agree that the effective implementation of these legal provisions and various Central Government initiatives for women’s safety falls within the responsibility of the State Government. It is crucial that the State machinery is fully sensitized and prepared to maximize the benefits of the legal and schematic provisions provided by the Central Government to ensure the safety and security of women and girls in West Bengal,”
The minister added,
“I sincerely hope and trust that the Government of West Bengal will work towards eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls by fostering a safe and secure environment and creating a gender-equal society where they can thrive and prosper,”
The Minister concluded by urging the West Bengal government to fully utilize the legal and schematic provisions offered by the Centre to ensure the safety and security of women and girls in the state. She expressed hope that the state government would work towards eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women, creating a safer and more equitable society for them to thrive.