Bhattacharya stated that the new courts aim to expedite the resolution of child sexual abuse cases. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, took place at the state secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.
Kolkata: The West Bengal Cabinet approved a proposal on Tuesday (10th Sept) to establish five additional special POCSO courts, bringing the total number of such courts in the state to 67, according to Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya.
This decision comes amid ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Bhattacharya stated that the new courts aim to expedite the resolution of child sexual abuse cases.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, took place at the state secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.
Following the meeting, Bhattacharya informed reporters that the state already has 62 POCSO courts, including six e-POCSO courts.
“The judicial department proposed the addition of five more special POCSO courts, and the Cabinet granted approval today. These courts will enhance our ability to address child abuse cases swiftly,”
Bhattacharya said.
The meeting also concluded that no minister, apart from the Chief Minister, would make public statements regarding the RG Kar issue, a source from the secretariat revealed.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, followed her initiative to pass the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the legislative assembly on September 3. This came in response to mass protests triggered by the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata.
During the bill’s discussion, Banerjee informed the Assembly that West Bengal currently operates 88 fast track courts and 62 POCSO courts.
According to a minister who spoke anonymously, Banerjee directed during the Cabinet meeting that no other minister should publicly comment on the protests by junior doctors following the August 9 crime at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She emphasized that only she would address the issue, as she oversees both the home and health departments.
The new bill, which Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has forwarded to the President for approval, seeks amendments to various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The proposed changes would replace 10- or 20-year sentences for rape and gang rape with either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Additionally, the bill proposes modifications to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and the POCSO Act, 2012, to facilitate time-bound trials, the establishment of more fast-track courts, and improvements in law enforcement infrastructure.
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