West Bengal Introduces Groundbreaking Anti-Rape Bill

West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak introduced the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill' at the state Assembly session. The bill seeks capital punishment for rapists if their actions result in death or vegetative state of the victim. It also proposes life sentences without parole for rape and gang rape convicts.

West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak on Tuesday introduced the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill' at a special session of the state Assembly. The proposed legislation aims to impose capital punishment on those convicted of rape if the crime results in the victim's death or leaves them in a vegetative state.

The Bill also proposes life sentences without parole for those found guilty of rape and gang rape. Discussions are expected to continue for around two hours, with BJP MLAs Sikha Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul alongside Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari speaking on the matter.

The government's perspective on the bill will be presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The legislation comes in response to the recent rape-murder of a woman medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

(With inputs from agencies.)