Kolkata, September 3, 2024: The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has passed the Aparajita Women & Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, with a voice vote, marking a significant step towards enhancing the safety and protection of women and children in the state. The bill, which introduces stricter penalties for crimes such as rape and sexual harassment, will now be sent to the Governor for approval, following which it will require the assent of the President of India to become law.
The bill was tabled in the Assembly in response to the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor at the State-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August, an incident that sent shockwaves across the state and the country. The tragedy prompted widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger legal measures to protect women and children.
During the discussion in the Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the gravity of the crimes addressed by the bill and stated that it includes provisions for capital punishment in the most severe cases. “We have ensured that the harshest possible punishments are provided in this bill for crimes such as rape and sexual harassment,” Banerjee said. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to making West Bengal a safer place for women and children.
The Aparajita Bill seeks to amend existing criminal laws in the state to introduce more stringent penalties, including the death penalty for the most heinous offenses. The legislation reflects the state government’s resolve to crack down on crimes against women and children and serves as a strong deterrent to potential offenders.
The bill’s passage in the Assembly is seen as a crucial step in addressing the increasing concerns over women’s safety in West Bengal. Once it receives the Governor’s and President’s approval, the law is expected to have a significant impact on curbing crimes against women and children in the state.
The move has been welcomed by various women’s rights organizations and activists, who have long advocated for tougher laws to protect women and children. However, the bill has also sparked debate, with some questioning the efficacy of capital punishment as a deterrent to such crimes.
As the bill awaits further approvals, all eyes will be on the state and central authorities to see how swiftly the legislative process moves forward, and whether the new law will bring about the desired change in ensuring justice and safety for women and children in West Bengal.