West Bengal to Introduce Stringent Anti-Rape Law

West Bengal will introduce the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill' which proposes capital punishment for rape resulting in death or vegetative state, and life sentences without parole for rape and gangrape. This follows the rape-murder of a medic. Opposition claims lack of consultation on the bill.

The Mamata Banerjee government will table the anti-rape bill in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday.

The proposed legislation, titled 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state. It also stipulates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape and gangrape.

A two-day special session of the Assembly has been summoned on Monday following the rape-murder of a woman medic at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month. State Law Minister Moloy Ghatak is scheduled to table the bill.

However, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the special session was called without consulting them, attributing the decision solely to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

(With inputs from agencies.)