After the horrific rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, the West Bengal government introduced the anti-rape bill ‘Aparajita Law’. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has raised concerns about this bill. Rijiju shared a 2018 letter on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the need for effective action against crimes against women. He expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am saddened that the Chief Minister of West Bengal has overlooked her most sacred duty of providing swift justice to women and children.”
It’s noteworthy that the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the anti-rape bill on Tuesday, September 3. The bill includes provisions for the death penalty if the victim dies or falls into a coma as a result of the crime.
The ‘Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Law and Amendment) Bill 2024’ aims to strengthen the protection of women and children by introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offenses. A report from May 2021 indicates that more than 28,000 rape and murder cases are pending in West Bengal.
According to the letter referenced by the Union Minister on X, the responsibility for the safety of women and children lies with both the central and state governments. State governments are encouraged to address issues in their own way to ensure swift justice. The central government will also provide support to state governments in their pursuit of justice.
