The West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, which seeks the death penalty for those convicted of rape and murder, or in cases where the rape victim is left in a vegetative state. The bill was approved through a voice vote, with the BJP legislative team refraining from seeking a division in the vote as promised.
The bill introduces amendments to key provisions under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who actively participated in the debate, emphasized that the passing of this bill is a significant achievement for her government. She criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inaction, stating, “It is a matter of shame that the Prime Minister could not do what our government did.”
In her speech, Banerjee urged the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to resign, citing their failure to protect women in the country. The bill was introduced against the backdrop of nationwide protests following the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Banerjee called for swift justice from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is currently probing the case. She also urged the state Governor to expedite the clearance of the bill so it can be sent to the President’s office for final approval. “Once the bill receives Presidential assent, it will be our responsibility to enforce it effectively,” she added.
The Chief Minister also criticized BJP legislators for remaining silent on similar cases of rape and murder in BJP-ruled states, highlighting the Unnao case as an example. She pointed out the hypocrisy in their actions, noting, “When you speak of an event in West Bengal, will you not speak about what happened at Unnao? It is a matter of shame that the accused legislator in the matter was garlanded.”
