West Bengal Govt Passes 'Anti-Rape Bill' In State Assembly

The West Bengal government has passed an anti-rape amendment bill titled 'Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024', seeking to amend the punishment for sexual crimes such as rape and to impose time-bound limits for the conclusion of investigation and trial in rape cases.

The bill is set to come into



effect from 5th September, 2024.

The Bill proposes "to create a safer environment for women and children" in the state and seeks to enhance the already prevalent penalties for rape as laid down in the BNS to ensure that the punishment is made more stringent, including the possibility of a death sentence for those found guilty of rape.