Kolkata:    In a historic move, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’ on Tuesday. This new anti-rape legislation, introduced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, makes West Bengal the first state in India to amend central laws on rape, gang rape, and sexual offenses against children, demonstrating a firm commitment to victim justice.

The bill, which seeks to expedite investigations, speed up justice, and impose stricter penalties for sexual crimes, was hailed by Banerjee as a significant step forward. She proposed forming a special Aparajita Task Force within the police to ensure timely investigations.

Describing the bill as “historic” and a potential model for other states, Banerjee highlighted its efforts to address deficiencies in central laws regarding the swift and effective handling of sexual offense cases. She also criticized states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for their high rates of crimes against women and defended West Bengal’s track record in delivering justice.

The bill, which includes provisions for capital punishment for rape if it leads to death or a vegetative state, and life imprisonment without parole for other rape cases, was unanimously approved by the West Bengal Assembly. The legislation aims to enhance protections for women and children by updating existing laws.

During the assembly session, BJP MLAs protested with slogans demanding Banerjee’s resignation. In response, Banerjee suggested that if she were to call for the resignation of Modi and Shah, it would be based on similar issues. 

Despite some heated exchanges, the bill was passed with support from the Opposition, though proposed amendments by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari were rejected. The bill’s passage follows a recent rape and murder case involving a woman medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which underscored the need for such legislation.

A special two-day assembly session has been summoned on Monday in the wake of the rape-murder of a Doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College.