Bengal Assembly Clears Anti-Rape 'Aparajita Bill', BJP Calls It Desperate Diversion Attempt

West Bengal cleared the anti-rape “Aparajita” bill on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee taking potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Titled the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ the legislation aims to strengthen protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences. Addressing the state assembly after tabling the bill, Banerjee said the Bill aims at quick investigation, fast justice delivery and enhanced punishment of the guilty.

“Rape is a curse against humanity and social reforms are required to prevent such crimes,” she said. Passing the Bill as “historic and model for other states”, Banerjee said that through this proposed legislation, her government has tried to plug the loopholes that exist in the central legislations.

Crime rates against women

When the BJP MLAs raised slogans demanding her resignation, she retorted, “What if I raise slogans against the prime minister and the home minister for the same reasons you are raising slogans against me.” States like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have abnormally high crime rates against women whereas in West Bengal, tortured women are getting justice in courts, she claimed. Banerjee alleged that West Bengal was not consulted before passing BNS.

“We wanted discussions on it after the formation of the new government at the Centre,” she said. Banerjee told the Opposition to ask the governor to sign the Bill without delay, while asserting that it would be the state government’s responsibility for its effective enactment. “We want justice from the CBI and death by hanging of the guilty,” Banerjee said over the rape and murder of the RG Kar medic while expressing her sorrow over the gruesome crime. The Bill was later passed unanimously amid some chaotic scenes on the floor of the House.

BJP Says Can’t Hide Criminal Intent

Responding to the development, BJP’s Media Cell In-Charge Amit Malviya took to X, writing, “Mamata Banerjee can’t hide her criminal intent behind the new Anti Rape Law, passed in the West Bengal Assembly. Other than being a desperate attempt to divert from the raging civil society protest against her, post the rape and murder of the young lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, a closer look at the fine print of the new anti-rape law reveals that it seeks to limit reporting on judicial proceedings in rape cases.

“Why is Mamata Banerjee trying to silence the media? So, much for free speech and press freedom!” he asked.

“Besides, if Mamata Banerjee is indeed serious about tackling crimes against women, she should immediately:- apologise to the women of #Sandeshkhali for defending Sheikh Shahjahan on the floor of West Bengal Assembly.- make a public announcement that Shahjahan will be the first rapist, under the new anti rape law, to be hanged to death.- drop the clause seeking to put an embargo on press freedom, while reporting on crimes against women. Unless Mamata Banerjee follows up on the above, it will be obvious that she is not sincere. She can’t hide behind the new law, while failing to implement Fast Track Courts to address crimes against women and minor girls,” he added.

Leader of Opposition

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government moved the anti-rape Bill to divert attention from public anger and protests over the murder of a doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Speaking during discussion on the bill, the BJP leader said “We will give full support to the new bill and will not seek voting on it.” He alleged that the TMC government failed to prevent incidents of rape and sexual abuse of women during its tenure. Adhikari demanded immediate enactment of the bill by the state government after its passage.

(With agency inputs)