On Tuesday, the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, introduced the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 in the state Assembly. The move comes in response to widespread protests following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The bill, presented by West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak, aims to strengthen legal protections for women and children by revising and introducing provisions related to sexual offences, including rape. One of its key features is the inclusion of the death penalty for perpetrators whose actions result in the victim’s death or leave them in a vegetative state.

During the session, Mamata Banerjee urged Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, to request state Governor CV Ananda Bose to give his assent to the bill. Despite expressing support for the legislation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised concerns. Suvendu Adhikari proposed seven amendments to the bill, stressing the need for swift implementation rather than mere legislation.

While welcoming the bill, Adhikari highlighted the overlap with provisions in the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which already includes stringent measures against crimes targeting women and children. He further noted that the bill had been introduced quickly and urged the government to ensure its effective enforcement.

The introduction of the bill took place during a two-day special Assembly session convened amidst public outrage over the recent incidents. Discussion on the bill will continue, with BJP MLAs Sikha Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul also expected to contribute to the debate.