Bengal Governor sends anti-rape law to President for review

Bill was approved in Bengal Assembly amid protests over rape-murder of trainee doctor

According to Raj Bhavan, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose forwarded the anti-rape bill approved by the state Assembly this week to President Droupadi Murmu for review.

After receiving a technical report of the legislation, Bose sent the bill to the President for her to review. However, the statement from Raj Bhavan mentioned that he highlighted “glaring defects and lapses” in the bill and criticized the state government.

The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 was unanimously approved in the Assembly on September 3, amidst widespread anger over the horrific rape and murder of a medical intern at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Also read: Kolkata rape-murder: Ex-principal Sandip Ghosh arrested by CBI

The Governor of Bengal disapproves Mamata Banerjee’s ‘intimidating stance’

The Raj Bhavan expressed dissatisfaction with the Assembly secretariat for not providing the required text and translation of debates as per the rules in a statement on X.

Also read: Governor CV Ananda Bose, Amit Shah discuss Kolkata rape-murder case

“At the end of acrimonious debates, mutual accusations, political threats and ultimatum, the Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) had threatened a dharna outside the Raj Bhavan if the bill is not assented to by the Governor,” the statement said.

“The Governor took umbrage at the intimidatory stance of the Chief Minister and admonished the government for their failure in observing legal and constitutional proprieties,” it added.

Earlier on Thursday, Bose, who has had a turbulent relationship with Banerjee, criticized her government for not including the technical report along with the bill suggesting capital punishment for rapists.

Also read: Kolkata Horror: CBI to question Sandip Ghosh; pressure mounts on Mamata Banerjee

Governor highlighted the deficiencies in the bill that was passed quickly

As per the press release from Raj Bhavan on Friday, the Governor highlighted the deficiencies in the bill that was passed quickly. The statement said he cautioned the government, advising them not to rush into decisions they may regret later.

Kolkata rape-murder

The 31-year-old trainee doctor’s semi-naked body was discovered in the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. A postmortem examination later verified that she was sexually assaulted and killed.

Sanjoy Roy, a civil volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was taken into custody the following day and is currently in legal detention. The CBI is taking charge of the investigation following the directive from the Calcutta High Court to take over from the Kolkata Police.