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The West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita' anti-rape bill, making the state the first to amend central laws pertaining to rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children. The bill, named after the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at the government-run RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital in August, aims to address loopholes in existing legislation and provide stricter punishments for perpetrators. The bill mandates the death penalty for rape and sexual offenses that result in the victim's death or leave them in a vegetative state, and a life sentence without parole for convicted rapists.
The bill's passage comes amidst a political clash between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the BJP welcomed the bill, they emphasized that the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) also contains stringent provisions for crimes against women and children. The BJP's Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, even proposed amendments to the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate implementation and results. The TMC, however, argued that the bill was a significant step towards ensuring justice for victims and plugging the loopholes in existing legislation.
The bill's passage showcases the political dynamics at play in West Bengal and highlights the focus on combating sexual crimes. The bill is now sent to Governor CV Ananda Bose and President Droupadi Murmu for their assent. The focus now shifts to the implementation of the bill and its effectiveness in deterring future crimes and ensuring justice for victims. The political discourse around the bill suggests that the debate over the best approach to combat sexual crimes is likely to continue. The bill's passage is a significant development in West Bengal's legal landscape, but it remains to be seen how effectively it will address the issue of sexual violence and the broader social context surrounding it.
Source: Bengal anti-rape bill passed amid 'Mamata Banerjee vs BJP' fireworks in assembly