Kolkata, India

The state assembly in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Tuesday (Sep 3) passed the anti-rape bill unanimously with full support from opposition. However, the amendments proposed by the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, were not incorporated.

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The bill comes amidst uproar over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the premises of the RG Kar Medical College in the state’s capital, Kolkata. The state’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, has faced calls for resignation by the opposition in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The bill, titled the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024', was tabled in the house by the state Law Minister Moloy Ghatak.

The bill seeks capital punishment for those convicted of rape and if the victim dies or ends up in a vegetative state. Moreover, it provides for a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape.

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Also read: CM Mamata Banerjee salutes West Bengal police after teargas use on protesters

The state assembly was specially convened for two days starting September 2 in the wake of strong protests across the country.

The bill is aimed at amending the existing provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, “in their application to the state of West Bengal to enhance punishment and to constitute the framework for…expeditious investigation and trial of the heinous act of violence against women and children.”

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The bill also provides for setting up fast-track courts for rape cases.

“To expedite investigations and ensure swift justice for victims, this Bill proposes dedicated special courts and investigation teams. These specialised units will be equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to handle cases of rape of women and sexual offences against children efficiently, effectively and timely, thereby minimising the trauma experienced by victims and their families,” it states.

Also read: Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Bengal govt proposes capital punishment for rape convicts in draft bill

The bill will now be sent to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and President Droupadi Murmu for approval before it becomes law.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to get it approved by the governor as soon as possible.

"The opposition should ask the governor to sign the Bill, it is our responsibility to enact it after that. We want justice from CBI, death by hanging of the guilty," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)