Bengal anti-rape bill passed in assembly amid fireworks over "Mamata Banerjee vs. BJP"

 The anti-rape 'Aparajita' bill was enacted by the West Bengal Assembly following a brief debate. It stipulates that anyone found guilty of rape and sexual offenses face the death penalty if their actions cause the victim to die or go into a vegetative state.

On Tuesday, the West Bengal assembly unanimously approved the anti-rape 'Aparajita' bill introduced by the Mamata Banerjee administration. This legislation positions Bengal as the first state to amend central laws pertaining to rape, gang-rape, and sexual offenses against minors.

 The bill is set to be forwarded to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and subsequently to President Droupadi Murmu for their approval.

Describing it as 'historic' and 'exemplary', Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the legislation serves as a tribute to the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at the government-operated RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital last month.

The legislation known as the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024' introduces the death penalty for individuals found guilty of rape and sexual offenses, specifically in cases where the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state as a result of the crime. Furthermore, the bill mandates a life sentence without the possibility of parole for those convicted of rape.

In her remarks regarding the advantages of the proposed legislation, Mamata Banerjee urged the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, to encourage the state Governor, CV Ananda Bose, to provide his approval for the bill. 

"This legislation aims to address the deficiencies present in the central laws. Rape is a blight on humanity, and social reforms are essential to prevent such offenses," stated the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

"The opposition should advocate for the governor's endorsement of the bill; it is our duty to implement it thereafter. We seek justice from the CBI and demand capital punishment for the offenders," she further asserted.

"Incidents of violence against women in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are alarmingly high. In contrast, women who have suffered in West Bengal are receiving justice through the judicial system. West Bengal was not consulted prior to the enactment of the BNS; we anticipated discussions on this matter following the establishment of the new government," Mamata Banerjee concluded.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed its support for the bill, emphasizing that the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) encompasses rigorous measures to address crimes against women and children. Suvendu Adhikari, the party leader and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, proposed a motion for seven amendments to the bill.

"We demand the prompt enactment of this (Anti-rape) law; it is the responsibility of the state government. We expect tangible outcomes, as it is the government's duty. We seek unity in this matter; our support is unwavering. We are prepared to hear the Chief Minister's remarks, regardless of their content, but it is imperative that you ensure the immediate implementation of this bill," Adhikari stated.