West Bengal Assembly Unanimously Passes Anti-Rape Bill

The West Bengal Assembly has unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024,' aimed at strengthening protections for women and children against rape and sexual offences. It includes capital punishment for rape resulting in the victim's death or vegetative state, and life imprisonment without parole for other rape convictions.

The West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the state anti-rape Bill, with full support from the Opposition.

Amendments proposed by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari were not accepted by the House.

The new legislation, 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' seeks capital punishment for rapists whose actions result in the death or a vegetative state of the victim, and a life sentence without parole for other rape convictions.

A special two-day session was convened following a rape-murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Bill was presented by Law Minister Moloy Ghatak.

(With inputs from agencies.)