Describing the bill as ‘historic’ and a ‘model,’ Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dedicated it to the memory of a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month.
KOLKATA: The West Bengal assembly unanimously passed the anti-rape ‘Aparajita’ bill introduced by the Mamata Banerjee Government on Tuesday(3rd Sept), making Bengal the first state to amend central laws related to rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children.
Describing the bill as ‘historic’ and a ‘model,’ Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dedicated it to the memory of a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month.
![[RG Kar Protests]](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-2024-08-28T121811.995.png?resize=320%2C180&ssl=1)
The bill, titled ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024,’ mandates the death penalty for those convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state.
During the discussion, Mamata Banerjee urged Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari to ask Governor CV Ananda Bose to quickly grant his assent to the bill. She emphasized that the bill seeks to address the gaps in existing central legislation, adding, “Rape is a curse against humanity, and social reforms are needed to prevent such crimes.”
She also called on the opposition to ensure the governor’s approval, stressing the state’s responsibility to implement the law once enacted. The Chief Minister further criticized the high crime rates against women in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while highlighting that West Bengal courts have been delivering justice to victims.
The BJP expressed support for the bill but noted that the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) also includes stringent measures to combat crimes against women and children.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, proposed seven amendments to the bill and called for its immediate implementation, emphasizing the government’s duty to ensure its effectiveness.
The assembly was convened for a special two-day session amid ongoing protests over the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.