Bengal Pioneers Anti-Rape Law Prompting National Action

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has called for a comprehensive anti-rape law in a time-bound manner. The West Bengal Assembly passed an anti-rape Bill urging for capital punishment for rapists causing death or vegetative state. The TMC leader emphasized the urgency, citing rape incidents happening every 15 minutes in the country.

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday called for the enactment of a comprehensive anti-rape law within a specified timeframe.

On the same day, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously approved an anti-rape Bill which mandates capital punishment for rape cases resulting in the victim's death or leading to a vegetative state.

In a social media post, Banerjee, the national general secretary of TMC, pointed out that every 15 minutes, an incident of rape occurs in the country, underscoring the pressing need for such a law.

Banerjee asserted, ''Given the harrowing statistic of a rape every 15 minutes, the demand for a comprehensive, time-bound anti-rape law is more pressing than ever. Bengal is leading the charge with its anti-rape bill.''

He urged the central government to take swift action, whether by ordinance or BNSS amendment, during the upcoming parliament session to ensure justice is expedited, with trials and convictions concluded within 50 days.

Banerjee, who also serves as an MP for Diamond Harbour, posted a hashtag #BengalShowsTheWay, lauding the state's pioneering role in enacting such legislation.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking about the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 in the assembly, highlighted that the Bill focuses on quick investigations, fast justice delivery, and increased punishment for the guilty.

''Rape is a curse against humanity and social reforms are essential to prevent such crimes,'' she remarked.

(With inputs from agencies.)