West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, also known as the Anti-Rape Bill.
The Bill prescribes the death penalty for rape convicts if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.
The Bill was introduced after the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.
The Bill aims to enhance punishment for rape and ensure the speedy investigation and trial of heinous crimes against women and children.
Proposed amendments include:
- Life imprisonment for the remainder of the convict’s natural life or the death penalty for rape.
- Mandatory death penalty for rape where the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.
- Life imprisonment for the remainder of the convict’s life or the death penalty for gang rape.
- Enhanced punishment for disclosing a rape victim’s identity or publishing court proceedings without permission.
The Bill proposes a shorter timeline for investigation and trial in rape cases:
- Investigations must be completed within 21 days, with a possible 15-day extension.
- Inquiries or trials must be completed within 30 days from the filing of the chargesheet.
The Bill calls for the establishment of special courts to expedite inquiries or trials in rape cases.
A Special Public Prosecutor with at least seven years of practice will be appointed to handle rape trials.
The Bill introduces the creation of a special task force, the Aparajita Task Force, at the district level to handle rape cases, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Investigations by the task force should be conducted by a female police officer whenever possible.
Failure to assist the task force could result in six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹5,000.