The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has criticized the state government for the hurried introduction of the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill’ during a debate on Tuesday.
The bill, presented by Law Minister Malaya Ghatak, seeks to impose the death penalty for those convicted of rape and murder, or for cases where the victim remains in a vegetative state.
Adhikari, speaking on the Assembly floor, supported the bill’s intent but questioned the urgency with which the government introduced it.
Adhikari stated, “We are supporting the Bill. But why did you bring the Bill in haste? We could have asked to send the Bill to the Select Committee. But we want punishment for the culprits. We will listen to what the Chief Minister has to say about the Bill. We will not seek division on the Bill. But the state government will have to ensure that the bill is made effective at the earliest.”
The bill’s introduction comes in the wake of nationwide protests following the rape and murder of a female doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The legislation aims to strengthen penalties for such heinous crimes and reflect the public’s demand for stricter justice.
During the debate, Adhikari presented media reports and references to similar cases to underscore the need for urgent action.
However, Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay rejected the documents, citing the need for verification.
Adhikari, undeterred, offered to facilitate the cross-checking of his documents, asserting his preparedness on the issue.
The debate will conclude with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s address, who is likely to provide final remarks on the bill.
Legal experts suggest that while the bill may pass smoothly through the Assembly, it faces significant hurdles before it becomes law.
The proposed amendments to Central laws require Presidential assent, indicating a lengthy process ahead for the bill’s implementation.
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