BJP Backs Mamata Govt's Aparajita Women And Child Bill, Suvendu Adhikari Says Should Be Implement At Earliest

The West Bengal government has introduced the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, aiming to bolster protections for women and children. Law Minister Moloy Ghatak tabled the bill on September 3 during a special Assembly session. The legislation seeks to amend existing laws related to rape and sexual offences.

Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed BJP's support for the bill. He emphasised the need for its effective implementation. "We will wait for this bill to change into rules and get implemented. You have hurriedly brought up this bill and could have questioned if this has gone to the law committee or not. But not saying this. We want the execution of this bill immediately. We want results. We give full support," said Adhikari.

Focus on Speedy Justice

The proposed bill includes provisions for capital punishment within 10 days for those convicted of rape if their actions result in death or leave the victim vegetative. It also mandates life sentences for individuals convicted of rape and gang-rape, ensuring they remain imprisoned for life.

Adhikari also criticised the state government, accusing it of using the bill to divert attention from pressing issues like recent crimes against women. He highlighted a recent case involving the rape and murder of a woman at a government facility, which led to protests by people and doctors demanding accountability.

Amendments Proposed by Adhikari

Suvendu Adhikari proposed several amendments to strengthen the bill further:

• If a police station refuses to file an FIR or causes undue delays, responsible individuals should face maximum punishment.
• Punishment should be imposed for delays or negligence by health officers in conducting statutory medical examinations or autopsies.
• Provision for final punishment should be established for those responsible for loss of evidence.
• Changing testimony dates without valid illness or hospitalisation should be prohibited.
• Investigating officers, medical examiners, or health workers should face final punishment if they alter their statements.
• The State Government Police should provide full security during testimonies, with speedy trials ensuring punishment within 30 days after trial completion.

The Assembly session was convened following a tragic incident on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered. The semi-naked body of the 32-year-old woman was found in a seminar hall at the hospital in Kolkata. A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime the next day, leading to widespread outrage and demands for justice.

Bill's Broader Implications

The draft Bill aims "to create a safer environment for women and children" in West Bengal. It underscores the state's commitment to upholding fundamental rights and ensuring that heinous acts are met with stringent legal action. The bill proposes amendments to sections 64, 66, 70(1), 71, 72(1), 73, 124(1), and 124(2) of BNS, 2023, covering various aspects such as punishment for rape, gang-rape, repeat offenders, disclosure of victim identity, and acid attacks.

The legislation also seeks to omit sections related to punishments for convictions of rape perpetrators under specific age groups (16 years, 12 years, and 18 years). This move aims to streamline legal processes and ensure harsher penalties are applied uniformly across cases involving sexual offences against minors.

This legislative effort reflects an urgent need to address crimes against women and children effectively while ensuring swift justice is served. The BJP's support signals a unified stance on enhancing safety measures within West Bengal.

The Calcutta High Court has transferred the investigation into the RG Kar Medical College case from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision followed public outcry over perceived inadequacies in handling such sensitive cases locally.

This new legislative framework aims not only at punishing offenders but also at preventing future crimes through stringent measures and expedited judicial processes. The focus remains on creating an environment where women and children feel safe and protected under robust legal safeguards.