Aparajita Bill passed unanimously in West Bengal Assembly, what did CM Mamata Banerjee say?

There are rare instances when members of both the opposition and the ruling party unite on a single issue in the West Bengal Assembly. Such a moment occurred on Tuesday when the House unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Bill' (Anti-Rape), aimed at addressing the issue of rape.

The 'Aparajita Women and Child Bill, 2024' establishes a fast-track court for these cases. The bill mandates that trials be completed within 21 days of the initial report being filed.

Introduced by West Bengal Law Minister Malay Ghatak, the bill includes specific provisions tailored for West Bengal by amending the Indian Judicial Code, 2023, the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023, and the 'Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse Bill, 2019.

The draft bill emphasizes that law and order fall under state jurisdiction, prompting the West Bengal government to implement stringent measures through these amendments to ensure timely justice for victims.

A Special Aparajita Task Force will be formed in the police

During the discussion in the House after the bill was introduced, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that after the new bill comes into effect, a 'Special Aparajita Task Force' will be formed in the police to deal with rape and molestation cases so that the investigation can be completed 'within the stipulated time frame'.

According to the old original Act, there was a provision to complete the investigation within two months of the incident being registered in the police stations. According to the new amended Act, the investigating officers in West Bengal will be obliged to complete the investigation of these cases within 21 days.

The 'Aparajita Women and Child Bill, 2024' provides for both life imprisonment or death penalty and fine for rape.

Apart from this, there is a provision for strict disclosure of the identity of the victim in the law, under which if anyone discloses the details of the trial proceedings or its details without permission, then he will be punished with 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.

Apart from this, if the victim goes into coma or dies, then the culprit will be hanged within 10 days.