'Aparajita' Anti-Rape Bill Introduced In Bengal Assembly, CM Mamata Calls Sept 3 Historic

RG Kar News: A new anti-rape bill named 'Aparajita' was introduced in the West Bengal Assembly. The bill aims to bring in speedy trials and severe punishments in rape cases.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said September 3 "historic" for women's rights.

Source : PTI

Aprajita Bill: An anti-rape Bill, named Aparajita, was introduced in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, September 4. During the discussion on the Bill, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she was not opposed to anyone fighting for women's rights.

State minister Malay Ghatak introduced the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill in the assembly. The bill is named, Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Law Amendment) Bill 2024.

What Provisions Does The Aparajit Bill Have? 

This bill provides for death penalty in cases like rape and murder. Rape and gang rape carry a minimum sentence of life imprisonment and even the death penalty. The aim of this bill is to bring in speedy trial and severe punishment in cases of rape.

The Bill specifically seeks to amend the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in their enactment in Bengal. The Bill also makes way for the creation of an Aparajita Task Force in the districts to make the state safer for women and children.

According to The Economic Times, the 'Aprajita Bill' proposes changes to sections 64, 66, 70(1), 71, 72(1), 73, 124(1), and 124(2), of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. These sections deal with punishments for rape, rape and murder, gang rape, repeat offenders, disclosing the identity of a victim of crimes like rape, and acid attacks.

It also seeks the establishment of a special court to try cases of crimes against women and children, and a dedicated investigation team.

What Mamata Banerjee Said During Discussion On Aparajita Bill

Mamata Banerjee said: "I did not know when I fixed the day [to introduce the Bill in the assembly]. But history repeats itself. September 3 is a historic day in the fight for women's rights. On this day in 1981, the United Nations ratified the 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women' as an international treaty to protect the rights of women."

Mamata Banerjee further said she condoled the death of the junior doctor who was raped and murdered. However, she slammed the Opposition (BJP and CPI-M) for those who have been raped and tortured across the whole country. "We want quick police action and strict punishment for the guilty in dealing with vile, brutal and heinous incidents like rape. I hope that every person will support this Bill. It is a crime against humanity."

Mamata Banerjee On RG Kar Incident

Speaking about the RG Kar incident, Mamata said "The woman died on August 9. The body was cremated around 2 AM-2:30 AM, i.e. on August 10. I went to the victim's house on August 12. On the day she died, I spoke to her parents." She said that the CCTV footage was sent to the parents before she went home. She said this was done to help the parents get all information, without publicising it outside.

Mamata Banerjee said that she had clearly sought six days — till Sunday — from the parents of the victim to nab the accused and get justice. "I told them that I would hand over the case to the CBI if we can't arrest the accused. It took 12 hours for the main accused to be caught. I asked the police to file an application for execution in a fast-track court. But the court ordered the case to be transferred to the CBI the very next day."

She said her government has been demanding capital punishment for the accused from the very first day.