Assembly clears Didi's anti-rape bill

The West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the state anti-rape Bill after Opposition gave full support to it.

- Robin Roy & Aritra Singha

However, the proposed amendments to the Bill moved by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, were not accepted.

A two-day special session of the assembly was summoned on Monday in the wake of the rape-murder of a woman medic at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month.

The draft legislation seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state.

Additionally, it stipulates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape.

Titled the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' the legislation aims to strengthen protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences.

The Bill also seeks to amend several sections in the newly-introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 64 in BNS says a rape convict will face rigorous imprisonment not less than 10 years and this may extend to life term. The Bengal Assembly tweaks the same to enhance the jail term to the "remainder of that person's natural life and fine, or with death". It further adds that this fine shall be fair and reasonable to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation costs of the victim.