West Bengal Assembly Convenes Special Session to Pass Death Penalty Bill for Rape and Murder

A special session of the West Bengal Assembly is set to begin today, September 2, to pass a Bill proposing capital punishment for those convicted of rape and murder. The Bill was introduced following the tragic rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The proposal for this special session was approved on August 28, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announcing that an amendment to existing laws would be introduced to ensure the death penalty for convicted rapists. The Assembly Speaker, Biman Banerjee, confirmed that the Bill will be presented for discussion and likely passage on Tuesday, September 3, the second day of the session.

During a rally on August 28 celebrating the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad’s foundation day, Chief Minister Banerjee warned that she would stage a dharna outside Raj Bhavan if the Governor delays signing the amended Bill or forwards it to the President for ratification.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government and the West Bengal police have faced criticism over the incident, which ignited protests across the country. The victim’s body was discovered by the police on August 9 in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay highlighted the need for swifter justice, stating, “The current legal process under the BNS is lengthy. We aim to expedite this process.” He added that once the Bill is passed, it would be sent to the Governor for approval.

The monsoon session of the West Bengal Assembly had been prorogued on August 5. Chattopadhyay noted, “Since the session was prorogued and not adjourned sine die, we don’t require the Governor’s permission to reconvene the House.”