West Bengal Passes Historic ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill’ Amid Controversy
The West Bengal Assembly has unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’. The state government hailed it as a historic move, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized it as a ‘dramabaazi’ or drama.
Government’s Perspective
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh stated that history was made with the passing of this bill, which aims to provide stringent punishment for rape and murder. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supported the bill, emphasizing its importance in securing the dignity of women. She also mentioned her previous attempts to communicate with the Prime Minister regarding the issue.
Opposition’s View
The BJP, however, called the legislation unconstitutional. Union MoS and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar argued that there is already a central law with provisions for the death penalty, making the new bill redundant. BJP MP Saumitra Khan and BJP leader Dr. Anirban Ganguly also criticized the bill, calling it a publicity stunt and a show-off.
Other Reactions
Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin welcomed the bill but criticized the delay in its introduction. JMM MP Mahua Maji warned that such bills could be misused to punish innocent people and should not be passed hastily.
Protests and Legal Actions
Earlier, BJP MLAs and doctors protested, demanding the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. The Centre has also moved an application in the Supreme Court regarding the deployment of CISF personnel at the hospital.
The former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, was arrested and sent to police custody over alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
Doubts Revealed
West Bengal -: West Bengal is a state in eastern India. Its capital is Kolkata.
Assembly -: An assembly is a group of people who make laws for a state or country. In this case, it is the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Aparajita Woman and Child Bill -: This is a new law in West Bengal aimed at giving strict punishments for crimes like rape and murder, especially against women and children.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India.
unconstitutional -: Unconstitutional means something that goes against the rules set by the Constitution of India, which is the highest law of the country.
publicity stunt -: A publicity stunt is an action done to attract public attention, often seen as insincere or for show.
Kolkata Police Commissioner -: The Kolkata Police Commissioner is the top police officer in Kolkata, responsible for maintaining law and order in the city.
Vineet Goyal -: Vineet Goyal is the name of the current Kolkata Police Commissioner.
Centre -: The Centre refers to the central government of India, which is based in New Delhi.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes the final decisions on legal matters.
CISF -: CISF stands for Central Industrial Security Force, a special police force in India that provides security to important places like airports and government buildings.
