Trinamool Congress MPs Request President Murmu to Expedite 'Aparajita Bill' Approval
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Synopsis
On February 13, a delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs met President Droupadi Murmu to request swift approval of the Aparajita Women & Child Bill. This legislation proposes capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape and murder, amidst ongoing criticism from BJP leaders regarding the state's handling of such crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress delegation met President Murmu.
- Aparajita Bill seeks capital punishment for rape and murder.
- BJP leaders criticize the ruling party's sincerity.
- Bill passed in September following public outcry.
- Provisions for quick investigations and trials included.
Kolkata, Feb 13 (NationPress) A group of Trinamool Congress MPs, representing both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, met with President Droupadi Murmu, urging for the swift endorsement of the Aparajita Women & Child (West Bengal Criminal Law) Bill, which aims to impose capital punishment for offenders in rape and murder cases.
BJP leaders in West Bengal have mocked this initiative, labeling the meeting as a farcical endeavor by the ruling party given the inadequate response of the state administration regarding the ongoing issues of rape and murder.
This Bill was approved in the West Bengal Assembly last September amidst widespread protests across the nation, triggered by the horrific rape and murder of a junior female doctor from the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata last August.
The Trinamool Congress delegation, led by Sudip Bandopadhyay and Derek O'Brien, met with President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday afternoon, presenting her with a detailed three-page letter underscoring the urgency for the Bill's clearance by the President’s office.
According to sources within the Trinamool Congress, the letter outlined proposals for concluding investigations in these cases within 21 days and submitting chargesheets within 30 days.
The letter also highlighted provisions for expedited trial processes and suggested enhancements to the existing regulations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act.
Nevertheless, a BJP member of the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal criticized the development as an insincere act from the ruling party.
“We too advocate for the most severe penalties for offenders in such cases. However, the Trinamool Congress is merely attempting to gain public favor on this matter. Initially, the state administration made every effort to obscure evidence in the R.G. Kar rape and murder incident. Now, they are trying to portray their seriousness in addressing the issue,” Bhattacharya remarked.
