Union Minister Advocates for Stricter Implementation of Laws Against Crimes on Women

Union Minister Annapurna Devi criticized West Bengal's handling of violence against women, urging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to implement existing laws more stringently. Highlighting the state’s failure to operationalize 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts, Devi emphasized the need for better implementation and sensitization of judicial personnel.

Union Minister Annapurna Devi has called for stricter implementation of existing laws to tackle violence and crimes against women, urging the West Bengal government to enforce them in 'letter and spirit'.

In a letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Devi criticized the state for not operationalizing 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) dedicated to handling cases of rape and POCSO Act violations, as required under the Central Government Scheme. Devi noted that while West Bengal has 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), these do not serve the same purpose as FTSCs.

Chief Minister Banerjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, called for exemplary central legislation and swift punitive measures for severe offenses like rape and murder. However, Devi emphasized that the existing Central laws, if properly enforced, are stringent enough to address such crimes. The Union Minister urged West Bengal to ensure the sensitization and positive approach of judicial staff to improve the handling and timely resolution of these cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)