Trinamool Congress Leader Calls for Swift Justice Reform in India

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee urged Parliament to introduce a Bill for fast-tracking the trial and conviction of rapists and murderers within a week. Banerjee criticized the BJP for street protests following a sexual assault and murder case, urging instead for legislative action to ensure swift justice.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has called for the introduction of a Bill in Parliament aimed at fast-tracking the trial and conviction of rapists and murderers within a week, ensuring they receive exemplary punishment.

Banerjee's comments were made following an administrative meeting in Amtala, located within his Diamond Harbour constituency in West Bengal. Speaking to reporters, the TMC national general secretary criticized BJP leaders for their street protests after the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in a Kolkata hospital.

He urged the BJP to instead press the Centre for legislation to ensure swift justice. Banerjee said that the Trinamool Congress, even as an opposition party, would support such a Bill, which could also gain backing from other political parties like the Congress and the Left.

The proposed legislation aims to prevent prolonged trials that can last up to six years and save taxpayers' money by removing rapists and murderers from society. Banerjee emphasized that such individuals should be dealt with either through encounter or by hanging. He acknowledged the failure of political parties to prevent heinous crimes against women, citing cases in Hathras, Unnao, Manipur, Delhi, and West Bengal as examples.

He also criticized the Centre for prioritizing the extension of the Enforcement Directorate's tenure over ensuring speedy justice in rape cases. Following the arrest of a suspect within 24 hours of the Kolkata hospital incident, Banerjee called for stricter security measures in hospitals and questioned the free movement of people after 10 pm.

In the face of mounting public anger, Banerjee hinted at an impending organizational overhaul within the TMC and extended a deadline for party members to adhere to its principles. In response, BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar accused Banerjee of deflecting attention from the state's failure to ensure women's safety in hospitals, likening his comments to advocating for vigilante justice in a 'banana republic,' which Majumdar stated has no place in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)