THE APARAJITA BILL – UNDEFEATED WOMEN
AUTHOR – VARUN K. CHOPRA, ADVOCATE, SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
BEST CITATION – VARUN K. CHOPRA, THE APARAJITA BILL – UNDEFEATED WOMEN, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (3) OF 2024, PG. 46-49, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
INTRODUCTION
The recent introduction of the ‘Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill’[1] by the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the West Bengal Assembly marks a significant legislative step towards addressing the alarming rise in sexual offenses against women and children in the state. Named after the term “Aparajita,” meaning “undefeated,” the bill aims to provide justice to victims of heinous crimes like rape and child abuse by implementing stricter punishments, including the death penalty. The proposal comes in the wake of public outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a young woman doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital[2] in Kolkata, underlining the urgent need for reform. The bill not only amends specific provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, but also seeks to create a more victim-centric legal framework. This article explores the intricacies of the Aparajita Bill, its key provisions, relevant case laws, its potential impact on improving law and order, and how it can be effectively implemented in other states across India.
[1] Bill No. 13 of 2024
[2] In Re: Alleged Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata and related Issues. (The matter is sub-judice in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India).