West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging for more stringent central legislation to tackle rape cases. In her latest letter, Banerjee expressed frustration over the lack of response to her previous correspondence and criticized the government’s handling of the issue.
On Friday, Banerjee wrote to the Prime Minister, reiterating her demand for exemplary punishment for perpetrators of rape. She noted, “No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue. However, a reply has been received from the Minister of Women and Child Development government of India (vide the No 1/RESC/HMWCD-2024 deed 25 August 2024), which barely attends the gravity of the issue raised in my letter. I am of the thought that the seriousness of the subject to the society has not been adequately appreciated while sending out this generic reply.”
The Chief Minister had initially written to Modi seven days prior, highlighting her concern over the rising trend of sexual violence and its impact on societal confidence and safety. Her letter emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legislation that would impose stringent penalties for such heinous crimes. “It is horrifying to see this trend. It shakes the confidence and conscience of society and the nation. It is our bounden duty to put an end to it so that women feel safe and secure. Such a serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed comprehensively through stringent central legislation that prescribes exemplary punishment for those involved in these dastardly crimes,” Banerjee’s letter stated.
Additionally, Banerjee proposed the creation of fast-track special courts to expedite the legal process for rape cases. She suggested that trials should ideally be completed within 15 days to ensure swift justice for victims.
Banerjee’s renewed call for action underscores the pressing need for effective measures to address and prevent sexual violence. Her proposed reforms aim to strengthen the legal framework and ensure that justice is delivered promptly and effectively.