What is the Aprajita Bill passed in the West Bengal Assembly? |

The West Bengal Assembly recently passed the Aprajita Act, an important legislation aimed at tightening laws against rape and Sexual Offenses. This bill, officially known as the Aprijita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident, which occurred in August 2024, sparked widespread outrage and demands for stricter laws to protect women and children.

The bill was passed unanimously on September 2, 2024, and was supported by both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari both stressed the importance of the bill in combating the rising number of sexual violence incidents in the state. Banerjee called the bill “historic” and dedicated it to the memory of the 31-year-old victim, stressing the need for social reforms to prevent such atrocities.
The Aprajita Act introduces several strict measures to combat sexual crimes. One of the most notable provisions is the introduction of the capital punishment for rape victims whose acts result in the death of the victim or put her in a vegetative state. This step is expected to act as a strong deterrent against such heinous crimes. In addition, the bill proposes the formation of an Aprajita Task Force to ensure that punishment is given within 21 days of the preliminary report. Under this bill, the provisions of the POCSO Act will be further strengthened.
The bill also contains provisions to improve the safety of women, especially those working in the healthcare sector. It mandates the installation of CCTV cameras in hospitals and along routes frequently used by nurses and doctors. The state government has sanctioned Rs 120 crore for this initiative. In addition, the bill introduces the concept of “Ratri Saathi', which ensures that women working night shifts receive comprehensive safety and support.
During the Parliament session, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari expressed full support for the bill and urged the state government to ensure its immediate implementation. He stressed the need for exemplary punishment of rapists and stressed the responsibility of the state government to get the bill approved by the Governor and the President. As per Article 254(2) of the Indian Constitution, the bill requires the assent of the Governor of Bengal CV Ananda Bose and subsequently the President of India as the criminal law falls under the Concurrent List.
The passage of the Aprajita Act is an important step in West Bengal's efforts to combat gender-based violence. It reflects the state's commitment to providing justice to victims and creating a safer environment for women and children. The provisions of the Act aim to fill gaps in the existing central legislation and create a robust framework to combat sexual crimes.
The introduction of the Aprajita Bill has received widespread support from various quarters. Women's rights activists and legal experts have praised the bill for its comprehensive approach to combating sexual violence. They are convinced that the strict measures proposed in the bill will have a strong deterrent effect and help reduce the number of such crimes.
While the bill still awaits the necessary approvals from the Governor and the President, the people of West Bengal remain hopeful that its implementation will bring about a significant change in the way the state deals with sexual crimes. The Aprajita Bill is a crucial step towards ensuring justice for victims and creating a safer society for all.