1. The Centre replied to Mamata Banerjee’s second letter to PM Modi on tougher laws.
2. The government criticized Banerjee, accusing her of trying to “cover up delays”.
3. Banerjee had requested stricter central laws and punishments for heinous crimes.
Kolkata, Aug 31: The Centre responded to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which she requested tougher central laws and exemplary punishment for heinous crimes like rape and murder.
The government criticized Banerjee and accused her of attempting to “cover up delays.”
Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi’s letter to Banerjee highlighted that the Bengal government has not operationalized 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) meant to handle rape and sexual assault cases.
महिलाओं को सशक्त बनाना और उन्हें सुरक्षित वातावरण प्रदान करना भारत सरकार की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है। सरकार महिला सुरक्षा के प्रति पूर्णतः समर्पित है और इसे अपनी प्रमुख जिम्मेदारी मानती है। (1/2) …@narendramodi | @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/zKNa1AzNyN
— Annapurna Devi (@Annapurna4BJP) August 30, 2024
Devi emphasized that stringent laws and exemplary punishments for such crimes are already in place and urged the state to implement them fully.
Devi pointed out that despite 48,600 pending rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has yet to activate the additional 11 FTSCs. “The information in your letter is factually incorrect and seems to be an attempt to cover up the delays in operationalizing these courts,” Devi stated.
Earlier, Banerjee had written to PM Modi, reiterating her call for stricter central legislation and prompt handling of rape and murder cases, following the outrage over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on August 9. Banerjee had demanded time-bound disposal of such cases.
Also Read: Assam Government’s Debt Surges by 107% Over the Last 5 Years: CAG Report
Devi clarified that West Bengal established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which differ from the FTSCs funded under the central scheme. She explained that FTCs handle a range of cases, including civil disputes and some criminal cases, and that 81,141 cases were pending in FTCs as of June 30 this year.
Regarding the appointment of permanent judicial officers in FTSCs, Devi stated that one judicial officer and seven staff members are dedicated to handling rape and POCSO cases according to guidelines. She added that additional charges cannot be assigned to existing judicial officers and suggested states engage staff on a contractual basis if needed.
Devi reaffirmed that stringent punishments for rape, including life imprisonment or death penalty, are already part of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) mandates swift investigation and trial processes.
She urged the state government to adhere to central laws to strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure justice for victims.
Devi’s letter follows nationwide protests demanding justice for the RG Kar Medical College victim, whose case is under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
