West Bengal Passes Law Seeking Death Penalty for Rape After Doctor's Murder
The new legislation follows widespread protests and aims to impose harsher penalties for sexual violence.
- The Aparajita Bill proposes death penalty or life imprisonment for rapists if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.
- The bill includes provisions for dedicated fast-track courts and special task forces to expedite investigations.
- Passed by the state assembly, the bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.
- The murder of a 31-year-old doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College sparked nationwide outrage and protests.
- Critics argue that the death penalty is not a solution and call for systemic reforms to address the root causes of sexual violence.