Union Minister Calls Out Bengal's Slow Implementation of Fast Track Courts

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticized the West Bengal government for setting up fast track special courts in only a few districts to deliver swift justice for crimes against women. He highlighted that fresh proposals have been sent to establish such courts in more districts. The case of a woman doctor's rape-murder in Kolkata and the state's slow action in operationalizing additional courts were also discussed.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday criticized the West Bengal government for establishing fast track special courts in only five to six districts, aimed at delivering swift justice for crimes against women.

The minister noted that only recently, the state has sent fresh proposals to set up such courts in more districts. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Meghwal described the rape-murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata as a shameful incident.

Mistakes in the action taken post-incident have been identified and criticized for their tardiness. He pointed out that the matter reached the Supreme Court, prompting a letter from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the need for fast track courts. Existing schemes for such courts were noted, yet only a few districts implemented them.

Meghwal also mentioned a recent letter from Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, to Banerjee, emphasizing that West Bengal has not operationalized 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts meant to handle cases of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO).

(With inputs from agencies.)