New Legislation for Enhanced Protection
The West Bengal Assembly has recently passed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024. This new law aims to provide enhanced protections for women and children in response to escalating concerns about sexual crimes. The bill received unanimous support from all political factions, highlighting the critical nature of these measures.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Life Sentence Without Parole: Individuals convicted of rape will face life imprisonment with no opportunity for parole, ensuring they remain in prison for life. Offenders will also be required to pay a financial penalty.
- Capital Punishment: The bill introduces the death penalty for crimes that result in the victim’s death or leave the victim permanently severely disabled.
- Revisions to the POCSO Act: The bill enacts stringent amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to further safeguard minors against sexual abuse.
- Aparajita Task Force: A specialized task force will be established to expedite the legal process for sexual crime cases. The task force aims to charge accused individuals within 21 days of the initial investigation and complete trials within 30 days.
- Enhanced Security for Medical Personnel: The bill allocates ₹120 crores to enhance security for doctors and nurses, particularly during their commutes, addressing the rising violence against medical staff.
- Acid Attack Convictions: Convictions for acid attacks will result in life imprisonment without parole, reflecting the severe nature of these offenses.
Background to the Legislation
The impetus for this bill was a recent tragic incident involving the brutal rape and murder of a female medical professional. The crime sparked widespread public outrage and urgency, leading the assembly to enact these protective measures. Introduced by Law Minister Moloy Ghatak, the bill represents a decisive response to ongoing violence against women and children in West Bengal.
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