The West Bengal government has announced a special two-day assembly session starting on September 2 to pass a Bill proposing capital punishment for convicted rapists.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay confirmed that the Bill would be tabled for discussion and passage on the second day of the session, Tuesday.
This legislative move follows a high-profile rape and murder case involving a post-graduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this month, which has heightened social and political tensions in the state.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously indicated that amendments to existing laws would be introduced to enforce the death penalty for those convicted of rape.
Speaker Biman Banerjee stated that while the exact title of the Bill is not yet known, it will be presented for debate and approval by the assembly members on Tuesday.
The special session may be extended if additional legislative matters arise, Banerjee added.
The assembly’s monsoon session had been prorogued on August 5, and therefore, the government does not require the Governor's permission to reconvene the House.
Chattopadhyay explained that the state’s proposed legislation aims to streamline the justice process for rape cases, aligning with the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita’s (BNS) vision of expedited legal proceedings.
The minister expressed concerns about potential delays if the Governor refuses to sign the Bill into law. In such a scenario, the state government may consider further action.
Chief Minister Banerjee has vowed to lead a dharna (protest) outside Raj Bhavan if the Governor delays or forwards the Bill to the President for ratification.
In a recent rally for the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad, Banerjee stressed that women would lead the protest, supported by “their brothers,” to press for the swift enactment of the law.
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