In a landmark move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the 'Aparajita' anti-rape bill introduced in the state assembly on Tuesday as "model and historic." The bill, officially titled the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' aims to enhance protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences.
Addressing the assembly, Banerjee described rape as a profound "curse against humanity" and emphasized the need for substantial social reforms to combat such crimes. She called upon the Opposition to urge Governor CV Ananda Bose to sign the bill into law, asserting, ?It is our responsibility to enact it after that.?
In a critical stance, Banerjee also demanded the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and chief ministers of states with recent high-profile rape and sexual abuse cases. She accused them of failing to implement effective legislation to safeguard women. ?Through this bill, we have tried to plug the loopholes that exist in the central legislation,? she said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the high crime rates against women in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, contrasting these with the justice being served to women in West Bengal. ?Abnormally high crime rates against women in states like UP, Gujarat. But tortured women in Bengal are getting justice in court,? Banerjee stated.
The bill proposes severe amendments, including capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state. The West Bengal Assembly later passed the bill unanimously with support from the Opposition. However, proposed amendments by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari were not adopted.
The 'Aparajita' bill represents a significant step in West Bengal?s legislative efforts to address and mitigate sexual violence, marking a bold move in the state's ongoing commitment to women?s safety and justice.
