The West Bengal assembly today unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita’ bill, making it the first state to amend central laws related to rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children. The bill mandates the death penalty for those convicted of rape resulting in death or leaving the victim in a vegetative state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dedicated it to a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and murdered. She emphasized the need for social reforms to prevent such crimes and urged the opposition to ensure the bill’s quick implementation.
Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary announced plans to challenge Patna High Court’s decision to increase reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories in the Supreme Court. The decision has generated strong reactions with political leaders and activists expressing differing views. The outcome of this legal battle is anticipated to have significant implications for reservation policies nationwide.
