West Bengal Assembly Passes Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024

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.

Question & Answer

1. What is the primary purpose of the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024?

A. To provide tax relief for medical professionals
B. To strengthen protections for women and children against sexual crimes
C. To increase funding for educational programs
D. To establish new job creation schemes

Answer: B. To strengthen protections for women and children against sexual crimes

2. What penalty does the Bill introduce for individuals convicted of rape?

A. Life imprisonment with parole
B. Capital punishment
C. Life imprisonment without parole and a financial penalty
D. Community service

Answer: C. Life imprisonment without parole and a financial penalty

3. What new measure does the Bill propose for offenders whose crimes result in the victim’s death or severe disability?

A. Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole
B. A financial penalty
C. Capital punishment
D. Mandatory counseling

Answer: C. Capital punishment

4. How will the Aparajita Task Force impact the legal process for sexual crime cases?

A. By providing legal aid to accused individuals
B. By ensuring accused are charged within 21 days and trials are completed within 30 days
C. By reducing the number of trials
D. By increasing the time allowed for investigations

Answer: B. By ensuring accused are charged within 21 days and trials are completed within 30 days

5. How much funding is allocated to improve security for medical personnel under the Bill?

A. ₹50 crores
B. ₹75 crores
C. ₹100 crores
D. ₹120 crores

Answer: D. ₹120 crores

6. What tragic event led to the urgency of passing the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill?

A. A medical professional was assaulted
B. A female medical professional was raped and murdered
C. A child was abducted
D. A politician was attacked

Answer: B. A female medical professional was raped and murdered

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